Replacing your collection system

Necessary care supplies

• (Plastic) bag
• Toilet paper or tissues
• Washcloths (wet and dry)
• Lukewarm water
• Optional: medical adhesive remover spray
• Scissors
• Stoma measuring guide or previously cut backing paper to use as a template
• New collection system

Removing the old pouch

1. Gently ease off the upper edges of the flange, using a medical adhesive remover spray if necessary.
2. Remove the entire system (collection pouch and flange) from the skin. 
   Tip: fold and seal the pouch using the adhesive edges on the flange.
3. Insert it in a (plastic) bag before disposing in a bin bag. Never flush it down the toilet! 
    

Applying the new pouch

1. First, wipe the stoma with toilet paper or tissues.
2. Cleanse the skin and stoma with clean water, using a wet wash cloth.
3. Gently pat the skin and the stoma dry with a dry wash cloth. Rubbing may damage the stoma and injure the skin.
4. Cut out the correct diameter from the adhesive flange. The flange must fit closely around the stoma to provide maximum protection for the skin. 
   Tip: test whether the opening is the right size by briefly sliding it over the stoma before removing the backing paper.
5. Run your finger lightly over the cut edges to smooth out any sharp edges. It is advisable to warm up the adhesive plate of the new collection system before applying it to the skin. You can do this by holding the plate between both hands or putting it underneath your clothing.
6. Remove the backing paper from the back of the flange. 
   Tip: keep this protective paper as a template so that you can cut the correct diameter for your next change. It is important to check the diameter at regular intervals as the stoma will continue to shrink in diameter during the first few weeks or months after the operation.
7. Attach the flange to the skin, always starting from the bottom of the stoma and pressing it down properly around the stoma.
8. When using a two-piece system: attach the collection pouch to the flange. Start by pressing the bottom of the pouch’s ring onto the ring of the flange, and work your way up until the pouch is fully attached and secure. Click the closing system into place.
   If you are using an adhesive system, position the pouch at the bottom on the adhesive ring and ensure that the pouch is positioned in one flowing movement from the bottom up onto the flange.
9. Check that the collection system is securely attached to the skin. Gently pull on the collection pouch to check that the system does not come away from the skin.