Closed-end ostomy pouches are designed to be used and discarded. A two-piece design includes a separate barrier and pouch, allowing the option for a liner.

What is a Two-Piece Closed-End Ostomy Pouch?

Ostomy pouches come in two basic varieties: Featuring a separate or integrated clip, drainable lets the user empty, clean and reuse the pouch, and closed-end is intended to be disposed once one-third to one-half full. Due to these attributes, closed-end ostomy pouches are ideal for:

• Patients with a low amount of discharge, or who accurately estimate their output.
• Individuals traveling with an ostomy system, or who are regularly away from home.
• Individuals who need to quickly change and dispose of their ostomy appliance. 
• Patients living with a colostomy.
• Patients who have formed stools. 
• Patients living with an ileostomy who experience strength or dexterity issues and can’t manage releasing a drainable pouch’s clip. 

Just as with drainable pouches, closed-end options feature a one- or two-piece configuration. Size also varies, from a few ounces to a few cups. Patients simply remove the pouch once it’s about half full, discard it, preferably into a separate bag, and clean the peristomal area. 

Types of Two-Piece Closed-End Ostomy Pouches

Two-piece closed-end ostomy pouches come in a handful of common configurations:

• Filtered to gradually release gas and control ballooning and odors
• Opaque to better conceal the contents, including underneath clothing.
• Transparent for greater visibility.
• Smaller pouches for patients with infrequent or below-average output.
• Large or maxi sized for traveling and for greater-than-average outputs.
• Pediatric pouches. 

Regardless of which pouch you prefer; you’re advised to plan ahead to ensure you have the right amount for daily use or trips away from home. Patients tend to average one to two pouches per day. 

Benefits of Two-Piece Closed-End Ostomy Pouches

Beyond convenience, a solution for low-discharge patients and minimal cleaning, two-piece closed-end ostomy pouches offer the following benefits:

• Quick, efficient changing away from home. 
• Not having to empty the pouch in a restroom or other public location.
• Minimal leakage and odor, due to the sealed design. 
• Each detachment from the flange and baseplate for disposal. 
• A secure solution for patients with predictable output. 
• A more discreet experience. 
• Can be used with liners that extend the lifespan of a pouch.