Ostomies Part 2: What Supplies Do You Need?

Published in Complex Rehab on April 05, 2023

By Heather Trumm, Director, VGM Wound Care

A few months ago, I wrote a blog about what ostomies are, and the different types of ostomies typically seen in wound care. As a continuation, let’s talk about ostomies and review the different kinds of supplies used for ostomies.

The type of ostomy you have could greatly determine what type of pouch you may need. There are one and two-piece pouches.

A one-piece pouch system includes a skin barrier (or wafer) and a pouch joined together. They are most commonly used for patients with a colostomy.

The difference in a two-piece system is that the skin barrier (or wafer) can be disconnected from the pouch by a flange. The flange is the “connector” between the skin barrier and the bag. This type of system may be more beneficial for the person with an ileostomy.

For both a one-piece and a two-piece system, the pouches can be drainable or closed.

If one system doesn’t seem to be working for the patient, have them try other manufacturer’s products. Not one system fits all.

Today, there are many tools and resources that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals have access to in aiding in the management of ostomies. For example, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society has an “Ostomy DME Provider Checklist,” along with a guidance document regarding the various uses of the checklist. There are multiple reasons the checklist was created. Take a look and please tell your patients about this very useful tool.

One of the most important factors of ostomies are those who administer them to patients, including Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN). In honor of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Week happening April 16-22, 2023, we would like to share our appreciation for these healthcare professionals. We are so thankful to them for shining their light and helping patients every single day!

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