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Your Care at Home:
Your Care at Home:Urostomy CarePage 1 of 3NarratorIf you’ve recently had a urostomy, you probably have a lot of questions. It can be a big adjustment, butlearning more about how a urostomy works and how to take care of it may help make it easier for you. Myfriend and I will help you.A urostomy is an opening to drain urine from your body when your urinary tract is damaged or not workingright.The opening, called a stoma, is usually placed on the lower right side of your abdomen, and it will drain allthe time, so you’ll need to wear a pouch to collect the urine.There are two main types of urostomy pouches – one-piece and two-piece.Your doctor or nurse will help you decide what’s right for your lifestyle and what your insurance will cover.Whether you have a one-piece or two-piece pouch, you’ll need to replace it as recommended by yourdoctor or nurse, but at least once a week.Before you start, choose the time of day when your urostomy is least active, perhaps first thing in themorning.Then gather your supplies, including a wastebasket and two plastic bags for the old pouch.Measure and cut or mold the skin barrier of the new pouch or the skin barrier “flange” so it fits your stoma.Some people find coughing once or twice before removing the pouch helps with urine leakage.It’s also a good idea to have some paper towels on hand to catch any spills.Throw away the pouch by double bagging it. Never toss it in the toilet.Let’s talk about attaching your pouch.Your urostomy pouch may be one-piece, attaching to your body as a single unit.Or it might be a two-piece system with one adhesive piece or skin barrier that attaches to the body and apouch piece that fastens on to that.For a one-piece pouch, make sure the pouch is closed. Then cut or mold the opening to fit, or use apremeasured pouch. Take off the protective film from the barrier before you apply it.Choose a flat spot on your abdomen where you’ll place the new pouch. Clean the area, dry it well, andapply the pouch from the bottom up. Hold your hand on it for 45 seconds to help the skin barrier get a goodseal. That’s it!Now let’s look at how to attach a two-piece pouch.Choose a place on your stomach where it’s flattest for best fit, and clean this area well.Now, cut or mold the opening to fit or use a premeasured skin barrier. Remove the protective film from thebarrier and use your finger in the opening to soften it and keep it even.Then, apply the barrier running your finger all around the skin barrier near the opening to make sure it’ssealed.With the bottom of the pouch closed, snap it onto the barrier starting from the bottom to the top.Page 2 of 3Press your hand against the barrier for 45 seconds, to mold it to your skin. Then snap the end of the pouchto make sure the two parts are secure.Emptying your pouch is the same whether it’s one piece or two, and should be done before it’s one-thirdfull.Your pouch has a non-return drain valve at the bottom. To drain your urine, open the valve, and allow it todrain into the toilet. Push the pouch down from top to bottom to make sure you drain any mucus, too. Makesure you close the drain valve well and wipe it with toilet paper.When you’re all done, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and dry them well.The last thing you want at night is to have to wake up every few hours to empty your pouch.Many people with urostomies wear a night drainage system so that they can get a good night’s sleep.These drainage systems vary, but most consist of an adapter, tubing, a night drainage container, and a legstrap. Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the best system for you.With a urostomy, there are some red flags to watch for where you need to call your doctor: Abdominal or back pain, nausea, severe constipation or diarrhea A fever of 101° or higher Signs of an infection such as your urine is darker, has more mucus or blood, or smells unusuallystrong Increased bleeding around the urostomy opening. Some streaks of blood are normal, but not morethan that. Also call if your skin becomes irritated.You probably have a lot of questions about living with a urostomy. Before you leave the hospital, ask for areferral to a home health agency to help you with the adjustment. Most insurance companies should covera visit or two.© The Wellness NetworkPage 3 of 3
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