Lifestyle adjustments after a standard ileostomy may include special diets, along with numerous daily (and nightly) trips to the bathroom to empty or change your bag. With a conventional ileostomy procedure, or Brooke ileostomy, your body waste is continually routed to an external colostomy bag. Waste collects in the bag and must be emptied at intervals throughout the day and night. Emptying your bag promptly helps you avoid leaks, odors or digestive problems due to a too-full bag. Here we’ll provide some general guidance about when to empty your colostomy bag.
According to the ASCRS (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons), your body typically eliminates approximately 200 to 700 ml of waste daily, but the amount could go up to as high as 1,500 ml in a day.
About proper timing for emptying your colostomy bag:
If you’re a candidate for an advanced ileostomy procedure with an internal pouch, known as BCIR, you can avoid many of these multiple, sudden trips to the bathroom. The BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) procedure allows you more control and freedom to empty waste from your internal pouch (no bag needed) when convenient. BCIR is an improvement upon the internal ileostomy Kock Pouch procedure, and the J Pouch, which are vulnerable to fistulas and leaking. The BCIR, with its longitudinal suture path, results in a laterally oriented, double-layer pouch that is self-sealing, addressing the main issues with older types of internal-pouch ileostomy.
Learn more about your surgical options from noted Los Angeles ileostomy specialist, Dr. Don Schiller. Call our office at 323-472-9931, or use our contact form to request your appointment.