What is a urostomy?

A urostomy is an opening created surgically in the abdomen to remove body wastes. Once the ostomy (the opening) is created, urine will be expelled through a stoma into a urostomy pouch. A stoma is a part of the small or large intestine that protrudes through the abdominal wall. The size of the stoma and its exact location in the abdomen will depend on the operation and the shape of the abdomen.

1. Who needs a urostomy?

If the segment of the urinary system cannot be repaired, the surgeon performs a urostomy to direct the urine to a new opening in the abdomen, leading to a urostomy pouch.

If you are having a urostomy because you have a problem with your urinary system, it is helpful to understand how the urinary system works. The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys generate urine by filtering water and waste from the bloodstream. Urine leaves the kidneys through the ureters and is stored in the bladder and expelled through the urethra.

2. Urostomy pouch systems

You will not be able to feel or control the flow of urine through the stoma. you'll have to use a urostomy pouch. From Ostocare we have the best. The urostomy pouch attaches to the skin surrounding the stomaIt collects urine, isolates odor, and protects the skin around the stoma.

Urine does not cause any problems for the stoma, but it can redden and crack the skin around it. Urostomy pouch systems are lightweight, attach well to the body, and can be placed inside underwear.

The systems of urostomy bags come in different shapes and sizes, your doctor or a certified ostomy care nurse can help you select the best option. You may need to try several types of urostomy bags to then find the best one for you.

Different types of system

• One piece: the bag and the base that adheres to the skin are joined together.
• Two pieces: there is a base and a separate bag that is placed on the base. The base attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma and protects it. Usually the base has a disc so that the urostomy bag is perfectly attached to the base, the discs come in sizes to suit different types of bags.

Open urostomy bags, have an opening at the bottom to let urine out, are closed with a folding mouthpiece or valve, it is not necessary to remove the open bags to empty them, so they can be used for several days.

They are easy to empty and are a good option for people with stomas who need to be emptied several times a day.

Closure for urostomy bags

There are several methods for open pouches, all urostomy pouches can be emptied. They have a special valve that prevents urine from backing up into the stoma.

The drain channel can be an open/close valve or a drain nozzle that has a lid or folds up. They have a mark that indicates whether they are open or closed. All open bags can be connected to a larger open bag to keep them empty when sleeping.

1. How to empty a urostomy pouch

The first thing you need to learn and what you will most often do is empty the bag. The first step is to check the level of the bag, empty or change it when it is at one-third or one-half of its capacity. If the bag is too full it can separate from the skin by its own weight, so it is important to check the amount as it will not control the urine output.

2. How to change a urostomy pouch

Open 1 and 2 piece urostomy bags should be changed every 3 to 5 days, if you notice debris and/or leaks around the bag or feel burning or itching around the base change it immediately.

The time of use will depend on how much the bag fills, how much perspiration and the uniformity of the skin surrounding the stoma. You will also need to decide when you will change the pouch, in the case of the urostomy pouch, only produce urine then it can be changed more easily and at any time.

Supplies by hand

The first step is to gather everything you'll need. A new urostomy bag, something to wipe your skin like a wet washcloth or wet ostomy towels, a stoma sizing template, a pen to draw the size, a scissors to cut the opening, a small disposable waste bag.

Other supplement elements that can help you: base powder, skin ointment, deodorants for bags, skin sealer to make the base adhere better, liquid to remove sticky residues left by the base.

Most bases adhere to the skin without the need for other inputs, if it does not stick properly, talk to your doctor or nurse for help in resolving the problem.

To remove the used bag, start by peeling off one end of the base, continue peeling off the rest of the base, press the skin at each step, and at the same time separate the base. Finally, place the used urostomy bag in a disposable waste bag.

Skin Care

Cleanses and inspects the skinThe stoma should be red and moist, check for bleeding (rare), then check the skin around the stoma (it should look like the rest of the abdomen). The skin care is fundamental to daily comfort.

After inspecting the skin, clean it with water and a cloth (Do not use perfumed soaps, oil or alcohol), dry the skin without rubbing.

We hope the article has cleared up your doubts, If you have any further questions about urostomy bags or any other bag, do not hesitate to put in contact us, we have everything you need to keep your life the same, without any impediment to enjoy it.