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If you have a condition that affects your lower bowel or colon, your surgeon may recommend a colorectal surgery. These colon resections sometimes require the formation of a colostomy. During this procedure, the doctor will reroute the colon through an opening in the abdominal wall and attach a medical device called an ostomy bag to collect waste products that would normally pass through the rectum.Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home, AR, specializes in colorectal surgery and they stress the importance of knowing how to properly empty your ostomy bag. They have a Certified Ostomy Nurse Practitioner on staff to help patients learn to care for their ostomy. These are Patty Hurst’s tips for emptying your colostomy bag.

The bag should be emptied when it is no more than 1/3 to ½ full to prevent leaking. Sit on the toilet as if you are going to eliminate. Hold up the bottom of the ostomy bag, open the closure, and then aim it between your legs to empty it easily into the toilet. Squeeze the outside of the pouch to ensure it is completely empty. You will find it helpful to place some toilet paper in the bowl to avoid any splash.colorectal surgery 

You will then need to clean the inside of the pouch by wiping it with toilet paper. To remove any excess stool, you can also use a water bottle to thoroughly clean the bottom of the bag. Once clean, securely close the pouch and clean up any spills. You may also want to consider adding a deodorizer to prevent any bad odors from lingering. Then, flush the toilet and disinfect it with your choice of cleaning products.

If you’re located in Mountain Home, AR, and need a colorectal surgeon or a consultation with Ostomy Nurse Practitioner Patty Hurst, contact North Central Arkansas’s leading surgeons at Ozark Surgical Group. Call (870) 425-9120 today to schedule an appointment for a consultation. For more information about the practice and their list of services, visit their website

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