How Do I Apply a Pouch?

We wore pouches for 3 days. How did we apply our pouches?

1. Sit in front of a mirror.
2. Identify the flattest part of the abdomen.

• Without a flat pouching surface, the pouch won’t adhere well.
• For this reason, always remember to consult your WOCN to mark patients before surgery.

3. As needed, shave any hair in the pouching surface.
4. Clean the pouching surface with a soft cloth and water only.

• Don’t cleanse with soaps or wipes, which have moisturizers and will prevent optimal adherence of the pouch.

5. Cut the opening of the pouch to 1-1/2”.

• An ostomate will usually measure and cut the opening as small as possible without touching the stoma.

6. Remove the backing paper from the wafer adhesive.

7. Apply pouch to abdomen.

• Make sure that you position the tail straight down.

8. Cover pouch with the hand for 5 minutes, which activates the adhesive and “melts” the wafer onto the skin.