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Life After Urostomy
If a problem occurs within the bladder, the normal urinary process may be changed, leading to the bladder being removed from the body and having to find a new system for urine to be passed from the body. During the most commonly performed urostomy surgery, called an ileal conduit, the surgeon takes a six to eight inch piece of the small bowel and makes it into a conduit (or pipeline) for urine. The remainder of the small bowel is reconnected so your bowel will function as it did before surgery.
After surgery, you will be wearing a clear pouch so that doctors and nurses can check your new stoma. You will have an IV and potentially tubes going in through your nose and into your stomach, keeping your stomach empty. In the beginning, your urine may be a bit red or pink but it should go back to normal. Mucous is perfectly normal because of the membrane in the small bowel. You’ll start with fluids and as recovery continues, move to food. Urostomy surgery is a major operation, so it is normal to feel weak for a while.
Your ET Nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma and change your pouching system. Some key points to remember are:
- Plan on changing your pouch in the morning, before you ostomy becomes active.
- You may shower with your pouching system on or off.
- If you spend time in a hot tub or sauna, the heat may loosen the barrier. Always check your barrier to make sure you have a good seal.
- Make sure skin is clean and thoroughly dry before applying the pouching system.
- Warm the barrier between your hands before placing on your skin.
- Apply gentle pressure to the barrier after application.
Questions? Talk to a Pharmacist today!