People with colostomy have a good option in the form of closed-end pouches. These pouches are without the clips, all the ends sealed. It is supposed to be changed when the pouch is almost 1/3rd filled with feces and needs to be replaced with a new pouch. Some of the closed-end pouches have an additional feature of charcoal filter that enables the gas or flatus to exit the pouch. This charcoal filter helps in the deodorization of the gas, while other pouches are also available without these filters. Many of the companies offer different ranges for the size of the pouches. Starting from the smallest one that can store feces up to 60 ml to the largest one with the storage capacity of 375 ml. These pouches are also accessible as 1 piece system along a light barrier. In this article, our focus is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of closed-end pouches in detail.
Advantages of closed-end pouches:
The ease and simplicity that come with a closed-end pouch make it the best option for ostomy care. You can simply remove a closed-end pouch and discard it in a waste bin instead of sitting on a toilet seat and drain out feces from your pouch. After the removal of a closed-end pouch, you can immediately apply a new pouch and get a burden down your shoulders. If you are concerned about public places and your social activities there is nothing to be worried about. You can simply remove your filled closed-end pouch place it in a Ziploc bag and throw it in a waste bin.
Things you must consider for selecting a closed-end pouch
Size:
Even though there are different sizes of pouches accessible in the market, but not all brands or companies have every size available for each of their product. You might require a take a decision while opting for another product if you are very much concerned about the variety. It completely depends upon the amount and frequency of your feces that which product will suit you best. If you have a routine bowel movement or let’s say if you have predictable bowel movements then you can choose a large bag. Then replace this bag with a stoma cap. But in case of frequent and small bowel movements, you need medium size bag that can be changed once or twice a day.
Gas filters:
Your selection of the closed-end pouch may also depend on the quality of the gas filters. All filters have different functions. In case of loose feces or periods of liquid feces the filter can’t work. It will cause the leakage of stool through the filter that may leave a stain on your clothes. Even though, the moisture does not affect the filter i.e. showering or bathing. For this kind of problem, some companies offer adhesive filter protectors that can easily attach and detach. A little compression in the pouch can also enhance the activity of the filter by enabling gas to enter the filter. In such a situation when you don’t want to use a filter another method called burping is used. Burping is the release of an edge from the flange so that gas can pass out quickly.
Costs of closed-end pouches
One more crucial point that makes a difference is the cost of a closed-end pouch, Most people need 1 -2 pouch daily instead of 1-2 drainable pouches per week. Your financial state can also be considered while choosing closed-end pouches. Creativity can bring any relief in the costs.
Thin plastic liner
Thin plastic liners can work along with closed-end pouches. They are cheaper as compared to closed-end pouches. And it can leave with you thinking that closed-end pouches are not much expensive. These liners can be lodged inside the closed-end pouch and when the liner gets filled you can simply remove the pouch, take out the liner and place a new liner in the pouch for using the same pouch again.
Limitations of a plastic liner
If you use a liner it will not allow the filter to be effective. It can also disturb the sealing between the flange and the pouch. There are chances that you may not like closed-end pouches as an option for traveling and going out in public places and pursue using drainable pouches.
Other applications of closed-end pouches:
Though it has been mentioned earlier that closed-end pouches can be an option for colostomies but ileostomy patients can also go for it. The people who undergo the issue like poor hand strength or dexterity may face difficulty in using clipping bags. The closed-end bag can bring them more comfort and ease. In the case of colostomies, many possibilities draining the pouch can be a better option than emptying the bag.
Also, there are one-piece closed-end pouches available in the market. There is no need to apply a stoma paste for using them. They can simply be removed and discarded completely and you can easily cleanse your stoma regularly. This is the best option for people with formed feces. It is recommended not to wear them for more than 1-2 days and then the complete system can be discarded.
Closed-end pouches can help you to manage your colostomies or an ileostomy in a better way. You can seek help from your ET nurse for more details.
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