A stool bag is commonly called a colostomy bag.
A colostomy bag is a pouch that collects stool after a colostomy, a surgical procedure where a portion of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall. This procedure creates an opening called a stoma, through which waste exits the body. The colostomy bag then attaches to the stoma to collect the stool.
The need for a colostomy bag can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying medical condition. Some conditions that might necessitate a colostomy include:
- Colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon)
- Bowel obstruction
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Injury to the colon or rectum
Therefore, the term "colostomy bag" specifically refers to the bag used to collect stool after a colostomy.
