Urostomy
9Pages

A practical guide to stoma care

Contents The content of this brochure was originally developed in the UK by SecuriCare ltd who are specialist stoma care and continence nurses, providing patient care in hospitals, the community and via their friendly home delivery and support service for ordering medical supplies. Not all products mentioned in this brochure will be available in all markets, please check with your supplier. The information presented in this brochure is for general use only and is not intended for people living with any medical conditions who are seeking personal medical advice; it is not a substitute...

It is a worrying time when you learn that you need to undergo major surgery. It can be particularly traumatic when you learn that as a result of that surgery your bodily functions will not be the same – that you will have a urostomy and will not be able to pass urine in the normal way, but will wear a ‘pouch’ on your abdomen. How the urinary system normally works Specialist stoma care nurses and medical staff offer understanding and support – and practical assistance. They have helped very many people through the same experience and back to a full, active and happy life. In carrying out its...

What does a urostomy look like? When you have a urostomy, you will no longer pass urine in the usual way. Instead the urine will come down the ureters from the kidneys and then be diverted by an 'ileal conduit' out to the surface via an opening ('stoma') on your abdomen. The ileal conduit opens onto the surface of the skin as the urostomy. The stoma is usually situated on the right side of the abdomen. A watertight pouch (with a tap at the bottom) is fitted over the stoma to collect the urine. How is the stoma formed? To create the stoma that opens onto the abdomen, the surgeon will...

Leaving hospital Members of the medical team will prepare you and advise you about your coming operation. In many hospitals specially trained senior staff – stoma care nurses – will be closely involved in your care and will make sure you have continued support in the hospital and when you return home. You may be given the chance to practice changing a urostomy pouch before you go into hospital. This will help you to become familiar with the process, making it easier for you after your operation. Having a urostomy is major surgery, and you may stay in hospital for around 7-10 days. During...

Urostomy pouches Urostomy pouches Your stoma care nurse will show you a selection of pouches and accessories available. There are basically two types of pouches – ‘one-piece’ and ‘two-piece’. Whatever the type, all pouches need to be emptied several times during the day and therefore have a small soft ‘tap’ at the bottom for this purpose. Aperture sizes One-piece pouches The pouches are fixed around the stoma by means of a skin friendly hydrocolloid, self-adhesive flange. When changing a pouch for a fresh one (usually every other day), the whole pouch is gently removed and a new one applied...

Changing your pouch & protecting your skin When changing your pouch You must drink plenty of fluids As a urostomy functions continuously, it is important to get everything ready before you remove the pouch. One of the main concerns with a urostomy is the possibility of urinary infections. To help avoid this it is very important to: If you are removing a one-piece pouch, or the flange of a two-piece system, do so carefully and gently. The importance of taking care of the skin around the stoma to avoid soreness cannot be emphasised too much. Clean gently with water, dry, and use nonsting...

Travelling Travelling is no problem and a urostomy should not prevent you from taking trips abroad. Carry a travel kit, packed in a toilet bag, containing: clean pouches, tissues, medical adhesive remover, barrier wipes if used, plastic disposal bag. You can then empty or change your pouch wherever there is access to a toilet and hand basin. Pack a good supply of stoma pouches and accessories in your hand luggage in case your suitcases go astray Urinary diversion If you still have your bladder in place (i.e. you have had a urinary diversion, but not a bladder removal or cystectomy), the...

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