Pouching systems may include a one-piece or two-piece system. Both kinds include a faceplate/flange (barrier or wafer) and a collection pouch. The pouch (one-piece or two-piece) attaches to the abdomen by the faceplate/flange and is fitted over and around the stoma to collect the diverted output, either stool or urine. The barrier is designed to protect the skin from the stoma output and to be as neutral to the skin as possible.

Colostomy and
Ileostomy Pouches

Can be either open-ended, requiring a closing device usually called a clamp or tail clip; or closed and sealed at the bottom. Open-ended pouches are called drainable and are left attached to the body while emptying. Most commonly, closed end pouches are used by colostomates who can irrigate (see below), or by patients who have regular elimination patterns. Closed end pouches are usually discarded after one use.

Two-Piece Systems

Consist of a separate flange and pouch. The pouch contains a closing ring which mechanically attaches to a mating piece on the flange. The most common closure is a pressure fit snap ring, very similar to that used in TupperwareTM.

One-Piece Systems

As the name implies, are those in which the wafer and pouch are assembled together in one piece and not separate.

Both two-piece and one-piece pouches can be either drainable or closed.