How Many Times a Day Do You Empty a Colostomy Bag?

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.

Guidelines for Emptying a 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:

• Most patients empty the bag anywhere from 4 to 10 times in a 24-hour period.
• You will need to empty your bag more often following your traditional ileostomy surgery, while you are becoming used to the system. You will gradually begin to learn your normal output and frequency of emptying the bag.
• Empty your bag when it is one-third to one-half full, or more often if you feel a need. If the bag begins to feel bulky or heavy, empty it as soon as you can.
• If you feel bloated, empty your bag.
• If your bag has been filling more slowly, you may be dehydrated and need to drink more water. Report any sudden, unexplained changes in your routine to your doctor.
• Change your colostomy bag about twice per week, completely removing the colostomy appliance from your skin and replacing with a fresh one.
• If you have a leak or feel burning, itching or discomfort–then change the appliance right away.
• If you’ve been very active and sweating, you may need to change your pouch daily to avoid skin irritation.

Take Control with an Internal Pouch

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.