Issues with Bag Leaks After Rectal Cancer Surgery

Replies
5
Views
182
Tonbell
Mar 26, 2025 10:48 pm

I had my surgery for rectal cancer a month ago and am still having problems with the bag leaking. Is this normal?

eefyjig
Mar 26, 2025 11:02 pm

Hi Tonbell, sorry to hear that you're leaking. You may be experiencing this because your stoma is still shrinking, and you need to size the opening of the bag accordingly. If you're done shrinking, then you need to be a good detective and figure out where the leak is coming from. When you remove your bag and/or barrier ring, where do you see output? That would be an area to perhaps fill with paste. Maybe you can try a different bag or ring. Once your stoma size is stable, it's a matter of getting the right supplies that work for you, and then leaks should be few and far between.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

past member

After I got my ostomy I found this site and got a lifetime membership. I have had so much help from the core members, things that even the wound care nurses didn't know. If you haven't been through this journey you don't know - only the people that have experienced this first hand truly understand what your going through. The support is enormously helpful getting through this. Afterwards when you start to learn how to deal with this new normal you can begin to help others.  ...mtnman. 

eefyjig
Mar 26, 2025 11:03 pm

One more thing: does your stoma stick out well? If it's more flush with your skin, you may want to try a convex bag.

AlexT
Mar 27, 2025 12:29 am

No, it's not really normal.

IGGIE
Mar 27, 2025 12:48 am

G-Day TonBell,

It's probably a good idea to go see your stoma nurse and have a good chat with her.

Regards, IGGIE

 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Play
SusanT
Mar 27, 2025 1:59 am

See a stoma nurse for advice. If that isn't possible, let us know what you're using, and we can try to give suggestions.

↑