Undergoing ostomy surgery is often a scary experience for many individuals, as it entails significant lifestyle changes. At times, you will even find yourself losing control of your bowel habits and potentially having issues with your body image. These lifestyle alterations may impact both your social and removed life. Sometimes, it may even pose psychological and physical challenges in adapting to a new lifestyle.
In such a scenario, you should be prepared to deal with your lifestyle alterations after undergoing ostomy surgery. This blog will focus on a one piece ostomy pouch, its role in supporting you in your post-ostomy care regime, and how to select the right ostomy pouch.
One Piece Ostomy Pouch and Ostomy Care
A one-piece pouch system combines your skin barrier with your pouch to make them one unit. It is popular for its better discretion. You can call it a straightforward solution for your ostomy care regime. The key features of this type of system include soft and skin-friendly material, a cut-to-fit flange, and leak-proof construction.
Below is a more detailed explanation of its key features:
Integrated Design
Your pouch and skin barrier are conjoined as a single unit here, simplifying both application and maintenance.
Easy to Use
A one-piece pouch design is easy to attach and remove. You can use it every day.
Cut-to-Fit Flange
Several types of one-piece ostomy systems are equipped with cut-to-fit flanges. This flange supports a customized fit for your stoma.
Comfort
The pouch is made from a soft, skin-friendly material, making it a comfortable addition to your ostomy care kit.
Filter (Optional)
Some brands offer a built-in filter for a one-piece pouch system. This feature is most likely found in pouches meant for urostomies or ileostomies.
Leak-proof Constructions
A one-piece pouch is specifically designed for being leak-proof. It offers reliable protection against leaking issues.
Tape Border (Optional)
Few brands of one-piece systems feature a tape border, which ensures additional adhesion and security.
Curved, Beige Pouch Clamp (Optional)
You will find specific one-piece systems with curved beige clamps acting as secured closures.
Pros
- A one-piece pouch system is simple in design and requires fewer assembly steps. Because the pouching steps are limited, it is a favorite of older adults.
- It is better at discretion than the two-piece system, and hence, you are free to be at ease with your exercising and physical routine.
- It is more reliable if your skin is uneven or more scarred.
Cons
As the pouch and barrier act as one single unit here, you will have to replace them together. Hence, you may not like it if you have a more active lifestyle.
Types
- Drainable: This category of one piece ostomy pouch makes emptying its contents easier. You do not need to remove your entire system.
- Urostomy: This type is reserved for collecting your urine. It may have a drainage valve.
Ostomy Care Guidelines
Here are a few quick guidelines on ostomy care:
- Change your one piece ostomy pouch after every 3 to 4 days. However, the frequency depends on the output.
- Clean your stoma using warm water with mild soap and soft cloth. Do not use lotions, soaps, or creams for this purpose unless your doctor asks you to.
- Ensure your skin barrier perfectly snuggles around your stoma. Otherwise, you may have leak issues and skin infections or irritations.
- It is wiser to empty your pouch when it is nearly ¾ full.
- Appropriately dispose of your pouch where required. Do not just dump it down in your toilet.
- Stay in touch with an ostomy wound nurse for personalized care instructions.
- Take plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated.
- Talk to your ostomy nurse or surgeon to adjust your diet if required.
- Use adhesives such as Brava Elastic tapes to prevent the edges of your baseplate from lifting up and rolling down. This helps secure your baseplate in its place.
Bottom Line
With its single-unit design, a one piece ostomy pouch simplifies post-ostomy care. It is relatively easier to apply and remove, more discreet, and more comfortable, especially if you are dealing with eyesight challenges or dexterity.
It is usually used for colostomies but can also be used for urostomies and ileostomies. Lastly, these are less expensive than two-piece systems.