Specific Patient

Management Issues:
UROSTOMY
• A urostomy is a surgically
created opening in the
abdominal wall through
which urine passes.
• A urostomy is created when
the bladder is either not
functioning or must be
removed.
• The bladder is surgically
removed or bypassed.
• A conduit is typically made
from a short segment of the
ileum.
• One end of the conduit is
sewn closed, and the other
end is brought to the outside
of the surface of the
abdomen to create a stoma.
• The ureters are connected to
the conduit.
• There are several different
types of surgeries, but the
most common are ileal-
conduit and colonic conduit.
 Urinary Crystals
• Urinary crystals on the stoma To prevent urinary crystals from
or skin are linked to alkaline forming on or around your
urine – the crystals look like urostomy, you should try to keep
white, gritty particles and may your urine acidic through:
lead to stoma irritation or • Drinking cranberry juice
bleeding of the stoma. • Eating yoghurt
• Keeping well-hydrated by
drinking water

Proper cleaning of your stoma

and careful application of the
pouch will also help to prevent
urinary crystals from forming.
Urinary Crystals
 Mucous Build Up
• The appearance of
mucous is normal as
your urostomy is made
from a piece of bowel.

• It looks white and sticky

and can commonly be
mistaken for a sign of
infection.
 Symptoms of UTI with Urostomy
• If your urine is cloudy, and has an
offensive odor, or is thicker and
darker than normal or if you feel
shivery, have a high temperature,
experience nausea or vomiting and
back pain then you may have a urine
infection

• Taking supplements such as Vitamin

C and cranberry juice can help
infection problems. However, advice
must be taken from your stoma care
nurse prior to taking these, as they
can interfere with certain
medications that you may be
prescribed

• It is also important to maintain good

hygiene each day.
Get tips for preventing urinary tract
infections when you have a urostomy

• Drink at least 6 to 8
glasses of water each day.
• Avoid consuming large
amounts of caffeine and
alcohol.
• If you use a night
drainage system, make
sure to thoroughly clean
the leg bag or container.
• Empty your pouch when
it is one-third to half full.
Trouble Sleeping at Night
Sleeping with a urostomy night or leg bag attached to a
urostomy pouch gives greater capacity and helps
provide you with an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
NIGHT DRAINAIGE - UROSTOMY
• Urostomy bag hole is Urostomy Bag
too large – this needs
to be a snug fit Leakage
• Urostomy bag is
applied incorrectly – To
combat this, the skin
needs to be gently
stretched
• Skin is too moist –
make sure the skin is
dry before applying the
stoma pouch
• Weight changes will
affect how long you
can wear a pouch.
 Urostomy Bag Leakage
• Stoma is in a dip or crease
in the abdomen – try paste,
washers or different
pouches to help the
adhesive gently conform to
the body’s shape.
• Stoma is flat or retracted –
you may need a stoma
pouch with a convex flange.
• Physical activities may affect
wearing time. Swimming,
very strenuous sports, or
anything that makes you
sweat.
 A good pouching system should:
• Stay secure with a good
leak-proof seal that lasts
for 3 to 7 days.
• Be odor-resistant
• Protect the skin around
the stoma
• Be nearly invisible under
clothing
• Be easy to put on and
take off
• Allow you to shower or
bathe with the pouch on
• Anyone with a urostomy
can travel. As long as you
Travels
plan ahead, nothing
should be out of your
reach.
• Seat belts will not harm
your stoma when
adjusted comfortably. Do
not place the seatbelt
straps directly over the
stoma.
• Store supplies in the
coolest part of the car—
not in direct sun or the
trunk.
• When flying, bring
supplies in your carry-on
bag, as luggage can be
lost
 5 TIPS TRAVEL
1. Calculate how many
supplies to take
2. If flying, follow TSA
guidelines
• Liquids
• Scissors – change to
moldable
• Medical documentation
3. Double check your list
when start packing
4. Avoid irritating food
and drinks
5. Maintain proper
hygiene
WORKSHOP UROSTOMY