How to Change Your Ostomy Appliance

This video will demonstrate how to change your colostomy or ileostomy appliance.

Your appliance includes a wafer, which is the part that adheres to your skin, and a pouch that collects your stool.

If you have a colostomy, you should change your appliance every four to five days. If you notice any leakage, change it right away.

If you have an ileostomy, you'll need to change your appliance every three to four days. If you notice any leakage, change it right away.

Before you start, gather all your supplies. You'll need a new wafer, a pouch, a measurement guide, a pen or marker, adhesive remover, a paper towel or washcloth, scissors, warm water, soap to wash your hands, a plastic bag, and a mirror.

Once you have everything ready, start by emptying your old pouch. When you're finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Stand in front of a mirror to remove your old appliance. Wipe adhesive remover on the white edges of your wafer. Remember, the wafer is the part that sticks to your skin.

Now, hold your skin with one hand and gently pull the wafer off with your other hand. Use the adhesive remover as needed to loosen it from your skin. Don't rush, especially when you reach the base of the appliance.

Place the old wafer and pouch into a plastic bag or scented diaper bag to hide any odor. Close the bag and tie it in a knot, and throw it away. Then, wash your hands thoroughly again with soap and water.

Clean the skin around your stoma with a paper towel or washcloth using warm water. You don't need to use soap. It's easiest to do this in the shower. That way, any waste coming out of your stoma can wash down the drain.

Once you've cleaned your skin around the stoma, pat it dry well with a washcloth or paper towel.

Now, measure your stoma using the measurement guide. Trace the correct size onto the back of the wafer. Then, cut or mold the wafer to the size you need, depending on the type of appliance your nurse has selected.

If your pouch is clear, pre-snap the wafer to the pouch and give it a small tug to be sure it's secure. Then close the Velcro bottom.

If you're using an opaque pouch, which is usually beige or gray, place the wafer first, then snap the pouch to your wafer.

Dry the skin around your stoma well using a paper towel or washcloth. Peel the paper or plastic backing from the wafer.

Now, place the wafer over your stoma and align it at the base of your stoma, and adjust it to make sure it fits. Keep the outer release paper.

Using your finger, gently press around your stoma on the brown part of the wafer to activate the adhesive. Place your hand over the wafer for a minute to help it get a good seal.

Now, remove one side of the remainder outer release paper and press it down. Then, remove the other side of the outer release paper and press it down. You have now finished changing your appliance.

If you have any questions about caring for your appliance, you can find more resources by going to our website at www.mskcc.org/pe and searching for colostomy or ileostomy, or asking your nurse.