Ostomy Care Supplies
Vitality Medical offers a vast selection of ostomy care supplies for people who have ileostomy, colostomy and urostomy stomas. After a procedure, it is vital for a patient to have access to the right medical tools and supplies for discharge collection, skin protection and daily digestive health.
Our top manufacturers are chosen for their high-quality and diverse types of ostomy pouches. These pouches include many specific features, such as pouch vents and filters, drain openings and easy-attach flanges. Whether a one-piece ostomy pouch or a two-piece ostomy bag is needed, customers will find the option that is appropriate for them. For those who use two-piece ostomy systems, most pouches come with corresponding ostomy barriers. Barriers are also offered separately, along with the many other essential ostomy supplies.
Throughout this lineup, patients will find many ostomy products from top manufacturers. These include items like deodorizers, ostomy paste and ostomy powders to prevent skin irritation, tight stoma seals and other products to help keep odors minimized. These are all valuable tools for those who use colostomy, urostomy or ileostomy pouches and will help improve quality of life.
Many ostomy care supplies offer specific accessories to help utilize ostomy pouch systems, including stoma adhesives, ostomy belts, as well as cut-to-fit patterns to help shape the wafer barrier for uniquely shaped stomas. Irrigation systems, which are especially useful for colostomy bag wearers, are also available at discounted prices. For some pouch wearers, these specific supplies may be difficult to find; however, Vitality Medical strives to have the best and most available selection of ostomy products anywhere and will prove to be a valuable resource for all types of ostomy users.
When patients shop for the products that are needed, they will find quality supplies at discount prices. Plus, if customers have questions, product specialists can help make the right decisions regarding what to buy. Vitality Medical’s product specialists are available seven days a week via live chat during business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Email is available 24 hours a day. Reach out to a product expert for more information about ostomy supplies and to help find the right products to meet the patient’s needs.
Ostomy Pouch Patient Applications
- Ostomy pouch applications: Ostomy pouches are products that attach to a stoma opening and are used for external waste elimination. Ostomy bags provide a space to accommodate — or to take the place of — a section of the bowel.
- Ostomy care accessories: Ostomy supplies are products to help keep the ostomy pouch secure and safe, such as skin barriers and wafers. Sprays can benefit users by deodorizing any odors emitted from the pouch.
Living With an Ostomy
Living with an ostomy does not have to be a limiting experience! To help patients transition into their lives with an ostomy bag, it is important that they not only understand the importance of ostomy surgery but also take into consideration advice from dependable sources about living with post-surgery stomas. Advice and guidance from professional sources like medical professionals and those who have undergone the surgery themselves will help patients understand what to expect in the future.
The Importance of Colostomy Surgery
There are times when individuals lose the normal function of their bladders or bowels due to disease, birth defects, injuries or similar situations. When this happens, the patient must undergo an ostomy surgery to help restore the normal function of the bladder or bowel.
Ostomy surgeries are divided into the following categories:
- Colostomy surgery: Colostomy surgery is intended to divert waste from the digestive system through a stoma, which is a small opening on the exterior of the abdomen. During a colostomy, a piece of the colon is diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to bypass the damaged part of the colon. After undergoing this surgery, patients will need to learn what colostomy supplies are needed and how to properly use them.
- Ileostomy surgery: An ileostomy is a stoma in the small intestine. The ileum contains digestive enzymes and acids that can contribute to skin irritation. Because of this, extra care is necessary to prevent waste materials from coming into contact with the outer skin of the abdomen.
- Urostomy surgery: Urostomy surgery is a type of surgery that helps encourage the healthy flow of urine from the body following the removal of a diseased or damaged part of the urinary tract. A urostomy effectively moves urine into a pouch or collection device that can be easily cleaned, emptied and replaced as needed. Urostomy pouches contain a drainage tap at the bottom of the pouches to allow patients to empty the contents at their convenience.
What Does an Ostomy Surgery Entail?
An ostomy surgery allows for normal body wastes to exit the body through a surgical opening in the abdominal wall, which is called a stoma. Depending on the type of surgery performed, this stoma may be temporary or permanent. If a patient undergoes ostomy surgery, such as an ileostomy or colostomy, ostomy supplies will be needed to ensure proper maintenance and care. For example, patients will be required to wear a special appliance (known as an ostomy pouch) to cover the stoma and to collect the stoma’s output.
Depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, ostomy surgery may be performed a few days to a few weeks after the initial diagnosis. Before a patient undergoes surgery, the bowels will need to be completely cleaned out. After this is performed, an enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse will speak with the patient (along with his or her loved ones) to provide all the information needed about the upcoming surgery and what will be needed for post-operative care.
Daily Life and Stoma Care
Although most colostomy appliances are two-piece systems that contain a flange, one-piece ostomy pouches are also available. A flange is the portion of the system that attaches directly to the skin, while the pouch collects the waste through the stoma. A patient will need to take good care of the stoma opening to ensure that healthy healing is achieved after the surgery. Cleaning the stoma, changing the appliance and purchasing the correct ostomy products to care for a stoma are all crucial aspects in ensuring healthy patient recovery following an ostomy surgery.
Tips for Living with an Ostomy Pouch
- Ensure that the skin is clean, dried and prepped before placing the flange on the skin. This will ensure that the flange secures completely to the skin without any issues. It is normal to experience some difficulty securing the flange completely to the skin immediately following surgery. This issue will resolve itself with time as patients become more familiar with placing and adhering the flange to the skin. There are also several products available, such as Hollister Spray Adhesive, that can help adhere the flange to the skin more securely.
- Keep some ostomy care supplies on hand whenever leaving the house in the event of an emergency. An emergency ostomy kit can include supplies like extra pouches, extra pre-cut flange, a roll of tape, a mirror, diaper wipes and cotton swabs.
- Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing at first, especially if feeling self-conscious about the ostomy pouch. Be cautious around small children and animals that might jump into the lap and accidentally disconnect the flanges.
- Exercise caution when driving and when putting on a seatbelt. Make sure that the lap belt does not stretch across the area where the stoma is located. This will help ensure that patients remain comfortable throughout the car ride.
Resources for Ostomy Patients
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Ostomy Systems
When choosing an ostomy system, one of a patient’s first decisions is whether to choose a one-piece or a two-piece system. The system is comprised of the ostomy pouch and a wafer, which is the barrier to protect the skin from stoma drainage and secures the pouch. There isn't a right or wrong choice when deciding on a system, it's just what works best for the user.
How Do Patients Decide Which Ostomy System is Best?
Ostomy Supplies, Colostomy Pouches and Accessories
Ostomy supplies allow ostomy patients to continue living healthy and productive lives, which is why finding the right ostomy supplies and corresponding accessories online is so important. Vitality Medical not only carries high-quality ostomy supplies from the top manufacturers in the ostomy supply industry — it strives to provide top-notch information to those living with an ostomy to inspire confidence and promote knowledge about the procedure, as well as highlight the options that are available to patients after an ostomy procedure.
Below are descriptions of the different types of ostomy systems, which as described above include both one-piece systems and two-piece systems. Again, there are no right or wrong choices — it depends on a patient’s preference. For help deciding which option is right, consult a medical professional.
One-Piece Systems:
In one-piece ostomy systems, the ostomy pouch and wafer — also known as a barrier or base plate — are a one-piece unit. One-piece units are generally less expensive than purchasing each piece separately. Since it is one unit, the system is also less likely to have connection issues. There are fewer steps when connecting the device; therefore, a one-piece system would be helpful with users with dexterity problems, such as arthritis. The one-piece system's design is very flexible and will lay flatter against the body, which can make it less intrusive. The drawback to the one-piece ostomy system is that if the ostomy pouch is compromised or punctured, the entire system must be replaced.
Two-Piece Systems:
In two-piece ostomy systems, the ostomy pouch and wafer are purchased separately. Many users prefer having the two separate pieces because the pouch can be easily removed to attach a new one, instead of implementing an entirely new system. If the user needs to check on the stoma, the whole unit doesn't have to be removed, only the ostomy pouch. There are also many wafers to choose from with varying hole sizes and shapes for unique stoma sizes. Another great feature of the two-piece system is that it allows for the pouch to flip horizontally at any time. Very active users may enjoy this feature. The price point for each piece is generally more expensive than the one-piece system, however. Users also need to make sure the ostomy pouch and wafer are compatible.
Login and Registration Form