Having a colostomy bag can require some adjustment to your daily routine. One of the key things to get used to is knowing when and how often to empty your colostomy bag. Here is a comprehensive guide on how many times per day you should plan to empty your colostomy bag.
Table of Contents
What is a Colostomy Bag?
A colostomy bag is a small pouch that collects waste from your digestive tract after part of your colon or rectum has been surgically removed. The end of your colon or rectum is brought through an opening in your abdomen called a stoma. Stool passes through the stoma into the colostomy bag outside your body.
Colostomy bags need to be emptied on a regular basis. Doing so prevents the bag from getting too full and potentially leaking. It also helps keep the surrounding skin free of irritation from contact with stool.
How Often Should I Empty My Colostomy Bag?
There is no single answer for how often colostomy bags should be emptied that applies to everyone. The frequency needed can vary based on:
- The type of colostomy you have
- Your individual stool patterns
- The capacity of your colostomy bag
However, a general guideline is to empty your colostomy bag at least every 4 to 8 hours or whenever it becomes one-third to one-half full. This helps prevent leaking and skin irritation.
Types of Colostomies
How often you need to empty your colostomy bag depends in part on the type of colostomy you have:
- Ascending colostomy: This connects the ascending colon to the abdominal wall. Stool is loose. Bag may need emptied 5-6 times per day.
- Transverse colostomy: This connects the transverse colon to the wall. Stool is semi-formed. Bag may need emptied 3-4 times per day.
- Descending colostomy: This connects the descending colon. Stool is fairly formed. Bag may only need emptied 1-2 times per day.
- Sigmoid colostomy: This connects the sigmoid colon and produces formed stool. Again, only needs emptied 1-2 times per day.
So the higher up your colon the colostomy is located, the more watery the stool and the more often the bag usually requires emptying.
Your Individual Bowel Patterns
Beyond the type of colostomy, your personal bowel habits also impact colostomy bag emptying frequency. Some key factors include:
- How much you eat and drink – Consuming more food and beverages increases stool volume.
- Stoma size – A smaller stoma opening means stool comes out slower.
- Medications – Drugs like laxatives and antibiotics affect stool consistency.
- Bowel obstructions – Strictures or adhesions slow stool passage.
- Illness – Infection, inflammation, etc. can cause diarrhea.
Due to variables like these, monitoring your own colostomy bag will allow you to determine the optimal emptying schedule for you.
Bag Capacity
Colostomy bags come in different sizes and capacities. That determines how much stool can collect before needing to be emptied. Typical capacities are:
- Mini bags – up to 12 oz capacity
- Midsize bags – 12-24 oz capacity
- Maxi bags – 25-38 oz capacity
So if you use a mini bag, you’ll likely need to empty it more than you would a maxi bag. Consider your stool output and choose the right sized bag to avoid frequent changing or leakage.
How to Tell When Your Bag Needs Emptied
Rather than emptying by a strict timer, it is best to also judge when your colostomy bag requires changing by look and feel:
- Appearance – Empty when stool gets to be one-third to half the bag’s capacity.
- Odor – Empty at first signs of odor to prevent irritation.
- Feel – Empty when bag feels heavy.
- Ballooning – Even if not full, empty if bag swells with gas.
Waiting until the bag is completely full increases the chances that stool could back up or the bag ruptures or leaks.
Tips for Emptying Your Colostomy Bag
To empty your colostomy bag properly:
- Gather supplies – Have spare colostomy bags, adhesive remover, etc. on hand before beginning.
- Remove the old bag – Take off carefully without touching the stoma.
- Clean stoma – Gently wash with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply new bag – Place carefully over stoma before attaching adhesive.
- Empty pouch – Open the tail end and drain contents into toilet.
- Rinse pouch – Use warm water and mild soap if needed.
- Pat dry – Dry the outside of bag thoroughly before closing.
- Seal tightly – Make sure the tail end is securely re-fastened.
- Wash hands – Rinse well with soap and water when done.
Having a routine makes changing bags quicker and easier over time. Always empty in a clean private bathroom to avoid spills or contamination.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Make
Having a colostomy bag requires making some adjustments to your normal daily routine. Here are some tips:
- Carry spare supplies – Keep extra bags, wipes, etc. with you when out.
- Map out bathrooms – Know where restrooms are located when away from home.
- Allow extra time – Build in time for changing bags as needed when planning your day.
- Watch diet – Avoid foods that irritate your colon or cause gas or odor.
- Wear appropriate clothes – Opt for loose garments that obscure the bag outline.
- Use odor-proof bags – Choose brands with charcoal filters or odor barriers.
- Empty before bed – Prevent overnight leakage by emptying right before sleep.
Making small adaptations allows you to confidently manage your colostomy bag anywhere.
When to See Your Doctor
In general, aim to empty your colostomy bag when it becomes one-third to halfway full. This may range from every 4-8 hours for many colostomy patients. However, contact your doctor if you notice:
- Unexpected changes in stool amount or consistency
- Foul odor not relieved by emptying
- Skin irritation, wounds, or bleeding around the stoma
- Difficulty emptying the pouch
- Signs of infection like fever, nausea, or chills
- No stool from stoma in over 4 hours
- Swelling of the stoma or abdomen
- Frequent leaks or bag ruptures
These could indicate complications requiring medical attention. Your doctor may adjust medications or recommend changes to diet, ostomy products, or your emptying routine.
Living Well With a Colostomy Bag
Adjusting your mindset is just as important as adjusting your schedule when it comes to having a colostomy bag. Be patient with yourself as you find what works for your needs. Know that many people live full, active lives with colostomies with minimal lifestyle impact. Joining an online or in-person support group can connect you with others experiencing the same adjustments.
Emptying your colostomy bag is just one aspect of ostomy management. Be sure to also practice good colostomy hygiene, regularly change the bag itself, and take care of your skin. With time, you will get comfortable with a routine that allows you to confidently manage your colostomy anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I empty my colostomy bag if I have diarrhea?
Empty your colostomy bag immediately if diarrhea starts. After that, you may need to empty as often as every 1-2 hours until symptoms resolve. Contact your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days.
Can I empty my colostomy bag while lying down?
It is better to empty your bag while sitting upright or standing. Lying down while emptying raises the risk of spilling stool and contamination.
What happens if my bag gets too full?
If your colostomy bag overfills, stool can potentially leak out from around the edges. The weight can also cause your bag adhesive to fail. And excessive stool contact irritates the skin. Empty regularly to prevent problems.
How do I hide my colostomy bag when emptying in public?
Drape a shirt or jacket over your midsection when carrying supplies to the restroom. Choose a stall rather than a urinal. Empty discreetly and re-conceal before exiting.
Can I swim or bathe with a colostomy bag?
Yes, you can swim and bathe with a colostomy bag in place. Just be sure to empty the bag before getting in the water. Pat dry thoroughly after. Some products offer waterproof bag covers for added security.
The Takeaway
Finding the optimal colostomy bag emptying routine takes time, monitoring, and adjustment. Most people need to empty their colostomy bag about every 4-8 hours or when one-third to half full. Exact timing depends on your colostomy type, output, bag capacity, and personal preferences. With the right supplies and adaptations, colostomy management can become second nature.
