Since these pages were converted from PDF, some of the content may appear garbled. To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This manufacturer information is for educational purposes only.


This is the html version of this file.












Page 1
Managing Your
Urostomy


Page 2
Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


1Your Urostomy
2About Your Urostomy


The urinary system
What is a urostomy?
Types of urostomies
The stoma
Before your surgery: placing the stoma
Urine from a urostomy


5Urostomy Pouching Systems


Urostomy pouch drain valve
Bedside collector


8Managing Your Urostomy


Skin care
Bathing or showering
Diet and fluids
Odor
Preventing urinary tract infections


10Maintaining Your Lifestyle


Clothing
Returning to work and traveling
Activity, exercise and sports
Sex and personal relationships


12Follow Up Care


Following surgery: discharge information
About supplies
Call your WOC Nurse if you notice any


of the following...


Questions to ask my Doctor or my WOC Nurse


14Resources


Organizations that provide information
Additional resources


16Glossary


Table of Contents


The person featured
on the cover is an
urostomate and
wears Hollister
New Image products.


Page 3
Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Your Urostomy


This booklet can help you understand
and manage your urostomy. It is important
to remember that you are not alone. Every
year thousands of people have urostomy
surgery. For some, it is a lifesaving event.
It may be performed to repair an injury
or remove a tumor. Whatever the medical
reason for your surgery, it’s natural to
have questions and concerns.
The purpose of this booklet is to
answer some of your questions and
to ease some of your concerns about
living with a urostomy.
This booklet is provided to you by
your health care team. It supplements
information given to you by your doctor
and your Wound, Ostomy, Continence
(WOC) Nurse or ET Nurse – a nurse
who specializes in ostomy care. When
you have questions, write them down
on page 13. You should discuss these
questions with your doctor or WOC Nurse.


Page 4
2


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Before your surgery


Determining where the stoma will be placed on your
abdomen is a very important part of the preparation
for your surgery.
Generally, an ileal conduit stoma is located on the
abdomen in what is called the right lower quadrant.
It’s an area just below your waist, to the right of your
navel – or belly button. The stoma for a colon conduit
is oftentimes located in the left lower quadrant.
Before your surgery, your WOC Nurse and your
surgeon will determine the best location for your stoma.
Ideally, the stoma should be placed on a smooth skin
surface. It should be located so you can see it easily
and take care of it yourself.


About Your Urostomy


The urinary system


The human urinary system begins with the kidneys.
The kidneys are two “bean shaped” organs located just
above the waistline, toward the back.
Urine or liquid waste flows from the kidneys
through two narrow tubes calleduretersand collects
in thebladder. The flow of urine is fairly constant.
Asphinctermuscle allows the bladder to store urine
until it is a convenient to empty the bladder, or urinate.
When a person urinates, the sphincter muscle
relaxes, and urine flows out of the body through
a narrow tube called theurethra.


A: kidneys
B: ureters
C: bladder
D: urethra


B
C
A
D


Page 5
3


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy
In a urostomy, the bladder
and urethra have been
removed or bypassed.


What is a urostomy?


A urostomy is a surgically created opening usually on
the abdomen. A urostomy allows urine to flow out of the
body after the bladder has been removed. A urostomy
may also be called a urinary diversion.
When a person has a urostomy, urine is no longer
eliminated through the urethra. Instead, it is eliminated
through the urostomy.
Because a urostomy does not have a sphincter
muscle, you have no voluntary control over when to
urinate. Instead, you wear apouchto collect the urine.


Types of urostomies


Your surgeon may select one of several methods to
create the urostomy, or urinary diversion. The most
common method is called an ileal conduit.
To create an ileal conduit, the surgeon removes
a short segment of the small intestine (ileum). This
short segment of intestine will be used as a pipeline
– or conduit – for urine to flow out of your body.
The few inches that the surgeon removes for the
ileal conduit will not affect how the intestine works.
The surgeon reconnects the intestine, and it continues
to function just as it did before.
Your surgeon closes one end of the conduit, inserts
the ureters into the conduit, and brings the open end
of the conduit through the abdominal wall. This new
opening in your abdomen is called a stoma.
Another type of urinary diversion is called acolon
conduit. A colon conduit is formed in much the same
way as an ileal conduit with one major difference. To
construct a colon conduit, the surgeon uses a short
segment of the large intestine(colon).
There are other types of urinary diversions. You
should know what type you have. If you don’t, ask your
surgeon or your WOC nurse.


Page 6
4


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy
About Your Urostomy – continued


The stoma


The stoma is always red and moist – somewhat like
the inside of your mouth. It should not be painful.
The stoma may also bleed easily, especially if it
is hit or rubbed. This type of minor, temporary bleeding
is normal. If the bleeding continues, or if the urine from
the stoma is bloody, you should contact your WOC Nurse.
You may have small tubes calledstentsthat were
inserted during surgery. These will be removed several
weeks after surgery.
The skin around the stoma is called theperistomal
skin. The peristomal skin should be as healthy as the
skin on the rest of your body. The most important thing
you can do to keep your peristomal skin healthy is to
wear ostomy products that fit well and stay in place.
Each stoma is unique. Chances are, your stoma
will look different from someone else’s. Your stoma will
probably be swollen after surgery; it may take several
weeks for the stoma to shrink to its permanent size.


Urine from a urostomy


Urine will begin flowing from your stoma immediately
after surgery. At first, the urine may have a slight reddish
color. However, after a few days, the urine will return
to its normal color.
If you have either an ileal or a colon conduit, you
will seemucousin your urine as the urine collects in
your pouch. The mucous comes from the segment of
intestine that was used to form your conduit.


The stoma


Not painful
Always red and moist
May bleed easily


Page 7
5


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Urostomy Pouching Systems


You can choose between Hollister one- and two-piece
urostomy pouching systems. Each has its advantages.


One-Piece System


In a one-piece system, theskin barrieris already
attached to the pouch. This means the one-piece
is easy to apply. You just peel and stick.


Two-Piece System


A two-piece system is the most versatile. It comes
with a skin barrier that is separate from the pouch.
The pieces snap together with a flange, a part which
looks like a plastic ring. It is easy to unsnap the pouch
and discard the pouch as often as you like.


Skin Barrier
with flange
Tape
Drain Valve
Drain Valve
Skin Barrier
Pouch with flange


One-Piece System
Two-Piece System


Pouch


Page 8
6


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Drain Valve


Your urostomy pouch has a drain valve at the bottom
of the pouch, so it can be emptied as needed. During
the day, most people find it necessary to empty the
pouch about as often as they would normally go to
the rest room.


Bedside Collector


At night, a length of flexible tubing can be attached to
the drain valve on your pouch. This allows the urine
to flow into a bedside collector while you sleep. Many
people find a bedside collector preferable to getting up
during the night and emptying the pouch.


All urostomy pouches
have a drain valve at
the bottom of the pouch
so urine can be drained
quickly when you empty
the pouch.
Urostomy Pouching Systems – continued


Page 9
7


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


When your doctor says it is appropriate, you can resume
your normal activities. You will get used to your Hollister
pouch system and develop a schedule that fits your
lifestyle. Here are a few guidelines for successful care
of your urostomy.


Empty your pouch when it is one-third to one-half full.
Replace the skin barrier, the waxy part that sticks to


your skin, every three to seven days.


If you use soap, make sure your soap doesn’t contain


oils or lotions that can interfere with adhesives.


Rinse your skin with water, and dry it completely


before you apply the new pouch.


After you apply your skin barrier, hold it against your


body for 30-60 seconds. The pressure and warmth
help activate the adhesive.


If you wear a two-piece system, try putting your skin


barrier on at an angle, making a diamond shape, for
a smoother fit.


You can shower or bathe with your skin barrier and


pouch in place, or you can remove them before
bathing. Water will not harm or flow into your stoma.


If your skin becomes red and sore, or your pouch


is not staying in place, be sure to see your doctor
or ostomy nurse.


Use a night drainage system (or get up regularly


during the night to empty your pouch).


Routine Care of Your Urostomy


Page 10
8


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Skin care


It is very important for the skin around the stoma to
remain healthy and free of irritation. The peristomal
skin should look just like the skin elsewhere on your
abdomen. To prevent skin irritation or other skin
problems, you should have a skin barrier and pouch
that fits properly.
Each time you remove your skin barrier and pouch,
look carefully at your peristomal skin. If you notice any
swelling, redness, or rash, you could have irritated skin.
Sometimes – but not always – irritated skin is painful.
If the problem persists or gets worse, be sure to contact
your WOC Nurse.


Bathing or Showering


With a urostomy, you can shower or bathe just as you
did before. Soap and water will not flow into your stoma
or hurt it in any way. You may shower or bathe with
your pouch on or off – the choice is yours. Soap residue
can sometimes interfere with how well the skin barrier
or adhesive sticks to your skin, so choose a soap or
cleanser that is residue-free.


Diet and fluids


For most people, a urostomy has very little effect on
diet. Chances are, you will have to increase the amount
of fluids you drink. To keep your kidneys functioning
properly – and to prevent urinary tract infections –
you should drink plenty of water each day.
Of course, each person’s needs are unique. If you
have any questions about diet or fluids, check with your
doctor, your WOC Nurse or a dietitian.


Lifestyle Tips
Drinking plenty


of water each day
is the best way
to prevent urinary
tract infections.


Eat a balanced diet.
Eating beets will


turn your urine
a reddish color.
This is temporary,
and is no cause
for alarm.


Asparagus and


seafood may
cause odor.


Managing Your Urostomy


Page 11
9


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Odor


Odor is a major concern for people who have had
ostomy surgery. Fortunately, today’s urostomy pouches
are made with odor-barrier film, so odor from the urine
is contained within the pouch.
Some foods and nutritional supplements can cause
your urine to have a strong odor as well as some
medications can affect the odor of urine.


Preventing urinary tract infections


People with urinary diversions can develop urinary tract
infections, and this can lead to kidney problems. Some
warning signs of a urinary tract infection include:


dark, cloudy urine
strong-smelling urine
back pain (where your kidneys are located)
fever
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting


If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor
or your WOC Nurse.


Page 12
10


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Clothing


After urostomy surgery, many people worry that the
pouch will be visible under their clothing. Some people
think they won’t be able to wear “normal” clothes, or
that they will have to wear clothes that are too big for
them. You should be able to wear the same type of
clothes you wore before your surgery. In fact, today’s
pouches are so thin and fit so close to the body, chances
are no one will know you’re wearing a pouch – unless
you tell them.
The pouch can be worn inside or outside your
underwear, whichever is more comfortable. Women
can wear panty hose or girdles. Choose a patterned
swim suit, instead of one with a solid color.


Returning to work and traveling


As with any surgery, you will need some time to recover.
Be sure to check with your doctor before returning to
work or starting strenuous activity.
Once you’ve recovered from the surgery, your
urostomy should not limit you. You should be able
to return to work or travel just about anywhere. When
you travel, take your urostomy supplies with you. Take
more than you think you will need. If you need to buy
supplies while traveling, you will find that urostomy
products are available from select medical or surgical
retailers throughout the world.


Activity, exercise and sports


A urostomy should not prevent you from exercising
or from being physically active. Other than extremely
rough contact sports or very heavy lifting, you should
be able to enjoy the same type of physical activities
you enjoyed before your surgery.
People with urostomies are able to swim,
water ski or snow ski, play golf, tennis, volleyball,
softball, hike, sail, or jog just as they did before their
surgery. Heat and moisture can reduce the weartime
of the pouching system.


Maintaining Your Lifestyle


Lifestyle Tips
When flying, pack


your ostomy products
in your carry-on bag.


Pre-cut your products


so you will not need
to carry scissors in
your carry-on bag.


Fasten the seat


belt above or below
your stoma.


Store your ostomy


products in a cool,
dry place.


Plan ahead. Know


where to contact
a local WOC Nurse
when traveling.


Lifestyle Tips
Empty your pouch


before swimming.


You may add tape


to the edges of
your skin barrier
before swimming.


You may need to


change your pouch
more often if you
wear it in a hot tub
or sauna.


Page 13
11


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Sex and personal relationships


Because urostomy surgery is a body-altering procedure,
many people worry about sex and intimacy, and about
acceptance by their spouse or loved one. For people
who are dating, a big concern is how to tell someone
about the urostomy.
Supportive personal relationships can be major
sources of healing after any type of surgery. The key,
of course, is understanding and communication.
Urostomy surgery affects both partners in
a relationship, and it’s something to which both
partners must adjust, each in his or her own way.
Let your partner know that sexual activity will not
hurt you or your stoma. If you have concerns about
your emotional adjustment after surgery, be sure
to talk about them with your doctor or WOC Nurse.
If you are concerned about having children, you
will be happy to know that after a satisfactory recovery,
it is still possible for a woman who has a stoma to
have children. Some men have become fathers after
having urostomy surgery. If you have questions
about pregnancy, be sure to ask you doctor or your
WOC Nurse.


Lifestyle Tips
Empty your pouch


before having
sexual relations.


Sexual activity


will not hurt you
or your stoma.


You may wear a small


pouch or stoma cap
during sex.


A beige pouch or


pouch cover can
help hide the pouch
contents.


Intimate apparel


can hide the pouch
and keep it close
to your body.


Page 14
12


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Follow Up Care


Following surgery: discharge information


Your WOC Nurse can help you keep a record of your
surgery and recommend the right products to maintain
the health of your urostomy.
Type of ostomy:
Date of surgery:
Stoma size and shape:
Recommended pouching system:
Other recommended products:
Other suggestions:
You can get your ostomy products through the
following retailer(s):
Retailer Name:
Retailer Address:
Phone:
Retailer Name:
Retailer Address:
Phone:
Your WOC Nurse:
Phone:


Page 15
Ostomy Supplies


Ostomy products are specialized supplies that are not
available thorough all pharmacies. You may choose to
use mail order supply companies or purchase through
a local retailer.
Select ostomy supplies are covered by private
insurance plans, military benefits, Medicare and
Medicaid. Check with your carrier to find out your level
of coverage and if you must use a specific supplier.
If you need assistance in finding a supplier for
Hollister products, contact us at 1-800-323-4060.


Call your WOC Nurse if you notice any of the
following problems listed below:
Any sign of urinary tract infection:
▫dark, cloudy urine
▫strong-smelling urine
▫back pain (where your kidneys are located)
▫vomiting
▫fever
▫loss of appetite
▫nausea
Skin irritation
Urine crystals on or around your stoma
Recurrent leaks of your pouch or skin barrier
Warty, discolored skin around your stoma
Excessive bleeding of your stoma
Blood in your urine
A bulge in the skin around your stoma
A stoma that appears to be getting longer
Questions to ask my doctor or my WOC Nurse:
Other questions related to living with an
ostomy:
13


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Page 16
14


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Resources


Organizations that provide information


Your doctor and your WOC Nurse are very important
resources. An annual physical with your doctor is
something that should definitely be a part of your
routine. It’s also a good idea to have an annual checkup
with your WOC Nurse.
For more information and a freecatalog, contact
Hollister Incorporated.
Hollister Incorporated
2000 Hollister Drive
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
1-800-323-4060
www.hollister.com
If your hospital does not have an WOC Nurse on staff,
contact the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses
Society, a professional organization. They can help
you find an WOC Nurse close to where you live.
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society
(WOCN)
4700 W. Lake Ave
Glenview, IL 60025
888-224-WOCN (Toll free)
866-615-8560
www.wocn.org
Another important source of information and support
is the United Ostomy Association (UOA) an organization
of people with ostomies. There are chapters of the UOA
in nearly every major city in the country, and there is
a national conference each year.
United Ostomy Association, Inc. (UOA)
19772 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612-2405
(800) 826-0826
www.uoa.org


Page 17
15


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Additional Resources


American Cancer Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.
(CCFA)
National Headquarters
386 Park Avenue South, 17th floor
New York, NY 10016-8804
800-932-2423
www.ccfa.org
You can get more educational materials and product
information from Hollister. Ask your WOC Nurse or call
Hollister Incorporated at:
Hollister Incorporated
2000 Hollister Drive
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
1-800-323-4060
www.hollister.com
In Canada:
Hollister Limited
95 Mary Street
Aurora, Ontario L4G 1G3
1-800-263-7400


Page 18
16


Hollister Incorporated|Managing Your Urostomy


Stents


The bladder is where urine is stored prior to
voiding (urination).
Another term for the large intestine or last portion
of the gastrointestinal tract
An ostomy (surgical opening) created in the colon,
part of the large intestine.
A sticky thick fluid that looks like cloudy material
in the urine. This is normal to see in the urine from
an ileal or colon conduit.
The skin are around the stoma.
Part of the pouching system; it protects your skin
and adheres to your pouch
A muscle that surrounds and closes an opening.
An ostomy does not have a sphincter.
Small tubes that may be inserted during surgery.
They come out of your stoma and drain into your
pouch. They are temporary and will be removed
by your doctor or nurse.
Another term for ostomy, a surgically created opening.
Narrow tubes that drain urine from your kidneys
to your bladder.
The narrow tube from the bladder through which
urine drains from your body.
General term for a surgical procedure to reroute
the urinary system. Also called a urostomy.


Ureters
Urethra
Urinary diversion


Glossary


Bladder
Colon
Colon conduit
Mucous
Peristomal skin
Skin barrier
Sphincter
Stoma