Urostomy pouches and supplies


Description

Urostomy pouches are special bags that are used to collect urine after some types of bladder surgery.

The urostomy pouch is attached to the skin around your stoma. It will collect the urine that drains out of your urostomy. The pouch is also called a bag or appliance.

The pouch will help:

Alternative Names

Cystectomy - urostomy; Urostomy bag; Ostomy appliance; Urinary ostomy; Urinary diversion - urostomy supplies; Cystectomy - urostomy supplies; Ileal conduit

Types of Urostomy Pouches

Most urostomy pouches come as either a 1-piece pouch or 2-piece pouch system. Different pouching systems are made to last different lengths of time. Depending on the type of pouch you use, it may need to be changed every day, every 3 days, or once a week.

A 1-piece system is made up of a pouch that has an adhesive or sticky layer on it. This adhesive layer has a hole that fits over the stoma.

A 2-piece pouch system has a skin barrier called a flange. The flange fits over the stoma and sticks to the skin around it. The pouch then fits onto the flange.

Both kinds of pouches have a tap or spout to drain the urine. A clip or another device will keep the tap closed when urine is not being drained.

Both types of pouch systems come with either of these:

Right after surgery your stoma will be swollen. Because of this, you or your health care provider must measure your stoma for the first 8 weeks after your surgery. As the swelling lessens, you will need smaller pouch openings for your stoma. These openings should not be more than 1/8th of an inch (3 mm) wider than your stoma. If the opening is too large, urine is more likely to leak or irritate the skin.

Over time, you may want to change the size or type of pouch you use. Weight gain or loss can affect what pouch works best for you. Children who use a urostomy pouch may need a different type as they grow.

Some people find that a belt gives extra support and makes them feel more secure. If you wear a belt, make sure it is not too tight. You should be able to get 2 fingers between the belt and your waist. A belt that is too tight could damage your stoma.

Buying and Storing Supplies

Your provider will write a prescription for your supplies.

Try to keep your supplies together in one place and store them in an area that is dry and at room temperature.

Be careful about stocking up on too many supplies. Pouches and other devices have an expiration date and should not be used after this date.

Contact your provider if you are having a hard time getting your pouch to fit right or if you notice changes to your skin or stoma.

References

American Cancer Society website. Urostomy guide. www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/surgery/ostomies/urostomy.html. Updated October 16, 2019. Accessed June 20, 2024.

Erwin-Toth P, Hocevar BJ. Stoma and wound considerations: nursing management. In: Fazio VW, Church JM, Delaney CP, Kiran RP, eds. Current Therapy in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 91.


Review Date: 5/17/2024
Reviewed By: Sovrin M. Shah, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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