Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 47

Ostomy Equipment
Pouching System
A pouching system is usually worn. Pouching systems include:

Skin barrier
This is also called a wafer. It is designed to protect the skin from the stoma
output.

Collection pouch
The pouch attaches to the abdomen by the skin barrier. It is fitted over and
around the stoma to collect the diverted output. The pouch is odor free.

Types of Pouches
Open-ended
This type can be drained while left attached to the body. It needs a clamp or
tail clip to keep it closed and sealed at the bottom.

Closed-end
Closed-end pouches are usually discarded after one use. They are most often
used by patients who have regular bowel patterns.

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