Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (2024)

Coloplast Care

Search Navigation

    Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (1)

    Learn how and when to change an open ileostomy pouch.

    The first few times you change your ileostomy pouch it will likely feel challenging. Make sure that the first few of times you change your pouching system, you find a location where you feel comfortable.

    Take your time – it is fine if you don't get it right every time. Soon, it will become more familiar and a routine for you.

    Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (2)

    Getting into a routine

    It will be very helpful to establish a routine for changing your ostomy pouch. Changing your pouch at a time when your ostomy is relatively inactive, like first thing in the morning, may be a good plan to establishing a routine.

    Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (3)

    How often does your pouching system need to be changed?

    The frequency of pouching system changes depends on many things, however, you would want to change your pouching system if you feel itching or burning of the skin around your stoma.

    An ileostomy bypasses the large intestine (where water is absorbed from the stool to turn it solid), the output will be liquid. This means that the pouch will need to be emptied typically 4-6 times a day (including once at night). You should empty your pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full or more often if you desire. If your pouch is too full, it can get heavy causing the barrier to pull away from the skin and emptying can be more difficult.

    Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (4) Prior to use, refer to product 'Instructions for Use' for intended use and relevant safety information.

    Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.
    You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.

    See all instructional videos

    Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.

    You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.

    Share on

    Videos

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (8)

      How to prepare the barrier

      The video will show you how to measure and cut your ostomy barrier.
      Note! This is an instructional video for using a 1-piece pouch. The procedure is the same if you use a 2-piece pouching.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (9)

      How to apply a 1-piece pouching system

      See video on how to apply a 1-piece ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to close the outlet of the pouch if you use an open pouch before application.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (10)

      How to apply a 2-piece click pouching system

      See video on how to apply a 2-piece click ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to close the outlet of the pouch before application if you use an open pouch.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (11)

      How to apply a 2-piece adhesive coupling pouching system

      See video on how to apply a 2-piece adhesive ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to close the outlet of the pouch before application if you use an open pouch.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (12)

      How to empty a drainable pouch

      See video on how to empty a drainable ostomy pouch.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (13)

      How to remove a 1-piece pouching system

      See video on how to remove a 1-piece ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to empty the pouch by the outlet before removing it if you use an open pouch.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (14)

      How to remove a 2-piece click pouching system

      See video on how to remove a 2-piece click ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to empty the pouch by the outlet of the pouch before removing it if you use an open pouch.

    • Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (15)

      How to remove a 2-piece adhesive coupling pouching system

      See video on how to remove a 2-piece adhesive ostomy solution.
      Note! Remember to empty the pouch by the outlet of the pouch before removing it if you use an open pouch.

    Recommended stories

    • Guide to healthy skin Apply. Remove. Check. By following this procedure correctly, you will be able to keep the skin around your ostomy healthy most of the time. Read more Guide to healthy skin Apply. Remove. Check. By following this procedure correctly, you will be able to keep the skin around your ostomy healthy most of the time. Read more
    • Ileostomy leakage troubleshooter Experiencing leakage from your ostomy? Ask these questions in order to figure out what may be causing the leakage - and what may be the solution. And if that doesn't work, never hesitate to consult your ostomy care nurse. Read more Ileostomy leakage troubleshooter Experiencing leakage from your ostomy? Ask these questions in order to figure out what may be causing the leakage - and what may be the solution. And if that doesn't work, never hesitate to consult your ostomy care nurse. Read more
    • Glossary A short list of terms and definitions related to your ostomy. Read more Glossary A short list of terms and definitions related to your ostomy. Read more

    Sign up

    Sign up here for your personalized support >

    Sign up here

    To top

    Changing and emptying your ileostomy pouch (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Van Hayes

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6022

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

    Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Van Hayes

    Birthday: 1994-06-07

    Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

    Phone: +512425013758

    Job: National Farming Director

    Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

    Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.