What Is an Ostomy Bag?

An ostomy bag is a collection system attached to a person to catch stool or urine. This bag is attached after an ostomy surgery, which creates an opening—called a stoma—between the inside of the body to the outside. This article will discuss types of ostomy bags, whether they are permanent, and how to care for one. How Does an Ostomy Bag Work? An ostomy bag is a plastic pouch that collects either urine or stool. When someone has a colostomy (an opening between the colon and abdomen) or ileostomy, (an opening between the ileum and abdomen) the bag collects stool. If someone has a urostomy (an opening between the bladder and abdomen), the bag collects urine. The ostomy bag has a donut-hole opening. Around the opening is an adhesive that attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma. The bottom of the bag can have an opening that is closed except when the user needs to empty the bag. The whole system allows urine or stool to collect naturally in the bag. The user does not need to do anything...