Indications:
- The steps in the method below may serve as a guide; speak to your healthcare team about the specific equipment that your child uses.
Considerations:
- Each time the bag is emptied, it is very important to close it securely in order to prevent leakage and odor.
- Optimize your child’s comfort during care with appropriate positioning and the use of distraction.
Frequency:
- Gently feel the bag to determine how full it is. Empty the bag when you find that it is 1/3 full of air or stool to prevent leaks.
- Depending on the age of your child, and the type of stoma, the bag should be emptied between 1-6 times per day.
- A bag that is overfilled can detach from the skin and cause leaks.
- If the bag is filled with air, let the air out through the opening. If your child has a two piece device and there is very little stool in the bag let the air out by partially detaching the bag from the flange.
Required materials:
Refer to your child’s healthcare team if the material or the sequence of steps you have been taught is different than those described.