The purpose of urostomy care is to protect the stoma and the skin around it. By this, you can prevent skin complications and other infections. You can know better about urostomy care from an ostomy specialist.
Products used in the urostomy care
- The most popular option to manage a urostomy is to use ostomy pouches. These pouches have a spout at the bottom that allows an individual to drain urine from the pouch. Urostomy pouches are available in different sizes and types. Make sure that the one you use has an opening 1/8-inch larger than your stoma from all sides. An ostomy specialist will help you select the most appropriate option.
- You will need catheters if you have a urostomy that uses an internal reservoir to store urine. Inserting a catheter into the opening in your abdomen will allow you to drain your urine.
- Skin protection products allow you to manage your stoma and the skin around it optimally. These products mainly include skin barriers and seals. These come in forms of paste and gels that help you ensure a tighter seal between the flange and the peristomal skin.
- If you do not want to get up from sleep multiple times to empty your pouch, you can consider using a night-drainage system. It is a separate bag that attaches to the bottom of the ostomy pouch you use.
How to empty a pouch
Empty your pouch when it is full by one-third. It means that you may have to drain urine out of it every 3-4 hours. Allowing the pouch to become filled will put pressure on the seal, which may cause leakage. It might also cause the bag to come off.
Here is how you can change your pouch.
- Sit on the toilet.
- The opening of the pouch should be above the toilet so that urine will fall directly in the toilet. Do not let the opening to touch the toilet.
- The spout has a clamp to keep the appliance closed. Open it to let the urine flow out of the pouch. Let all of the urine to drain from the pouch.
- Close the clamp and wash your hands.
Changing the pouch
Your healthcare provider will guide you regarding how often you need to change your ostomy pouch. Generally, a urostomy pouch should be changed every 3-4 days. You will also have to pay attention to your skin. If it sweats or gets wet, you are going to need to change the pouching system. The right time to change a pouch is the morning time before you drink any liquids.
Here is how to change a urostomy pouch.
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the pouch by pressing the skin at the side of the skin barrier. At the same time, pull the skin barrier away from the peristomal skin.
- To prevent urine from getting in contact with the skin around the stoma, hold a gauze roll over the stoma during the pouch change. Avoid inserting anything in your stoma.
- Clean the skin around the stoma using warm water. Pat the skin dry after washing.
- Apply the new pouch by while making sure that the opening of the flange fits well over the stoma. Press the flange onto the peristomal skin to remove any creases. Cover the flange area using the palms of your hands. The warmth of your hands will allow the flange to mold to your skin.
