Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag

2025-10-24
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

Whether it is the urostomy bag or the colostomy bag, they are both indispensable and important tools in the daily life of stoma patients. The urostomy bag helps collect urine, and the colostomy bag helps collect excrement. So, Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag, what What are the differences between these two?

Zodelo is well aware of the significance of the urostomy bag and the colostomy bag to ostomy patients. Therefore, Zodelo has always been committed to providing users with the highest quality stoma supply, considerate ostomy care, and the latest stoma information and popular science. In this article, we will explain the Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag in detail.

The 3 Types of Ostomies

1.What is a colostomy?

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the colon from the abdominal wall to create a new excretory passage in the abdomen. When patients are unable to use their excretory function normally due to diseases such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis or intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, trauma or surgical complications, and congenital anal atresia, they need to undergo colostomy surgery. Feces will be discharged from the stoma into the colostomy bag, taking over the original excretion function.

Colostomy risks：

Skin irritation or allergic reaction: Allergic reaction due to excrement or sticky underbody.
Stoma prolapse or stenosis:The stoma part is severely protruding or narrowed.
Intestinal obstruction:Postoperative intestinal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction.
Leakage risk: Poor bag sealing can cause discomfort and unpleasant odors.

2.What is an ileostomy?

Ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which the end of the ileum is removed from the abdominal wall to form a stoma. It is commonly seen in inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), colon cancer or rectal cancer, intestinal perforation or necrosis, familial adenomatous polyposis and other diseases. Then the ileostomy surgery will be required. Feces will be discharged from the stoma into the ostomy bag, replacing the original excretion function. The patient’s excrement is mostly liquid feces.

Ileostomy risks

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance:Large excretion volume and significant water loss.
Skin irritation: Excrement contains digestive enzymes, which can easily cause skin burns.
Narrow or retracted stoma:Affects smooth discharge.
Blockage (Blockage) : High-fiber or hard-to-digest foods may cause intestinal segment blockage.
Abdominal distension or excessive gas: caused by unadjusted diet or swallowing of gas.

3.What is a urostomy?

Urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates new channels for urine excretion in a patient’s abdomen. When patients have bladder cancer, bladder radiation injury, traumatic bladder rupture, or congenital urethral malformations, the bladder or urethra cannot urinate normally. Doctors will use an ileal catheter to create a permanent or temporary stoma in the patient’s abdomen to expel urine from the kidneys and collect urine using a Urostomy Bag.

Urostomy risks

Urinary tract infection (UTI) : Bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection.
Stoma dermatitis or urine crystal deposition.
The undercarriage was not firmly adhered, resulting in leakage.
Increased kidney pressure can lead to difficulty in urination or reflux.

4. The difference between colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy?

Colostomy vs urostomy vs ileostomy are as follows:

Comparison project	Colostomy	Ileostomy	Urostomy
Stoma site	Colon (Large intestine	The terminal end of the small intestine (ileum	Ureter + small intestine segment
Discharge type	Formed or semi-formed feces	Liquid or thin paste-like feces	Urine
Excretion frequency	1 to 3 times a day	6 to 8 times a day	Continuous urination
Main nursing priorities	Leak-proof and odor-proof	Prevent skin damage and hydrate	Prevent infection and reflux
Common risks	Bag leakage and skin allergy	Dehydration, blockage	Urinary tract infection, skin crystals
Bag type	Closed bag or drainage bag	Drainage bag	Special urinary ostomy bag
Indications: Diseases	Colorectal cancer, diverticulitis	Inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal necrosis	Bladder cancer, urinary tract reconstruction

What is a urostomy Bag?

1.The definition of urostomy bag

The urostomy bag is a medical device specifically designed for collecting urine discharged from the stoma. When a patient loses the ability to urinate due to disease or damage to the bladder and ureters, a stoma surgery will be performed. The doctor will create a stoma in the patient’s abdomen to expel urine from the body. At this point, a urostomy bag is needed to collect the continuously excreted urine.

Urinary ostomy bags protect the skin from continuous contamination and irritation by urine. Meanwhile, the urostomy bag can also prevent leakage and odors. It can prevent urine reflux, reduce hydronephrosis and infection problems.

2.Types of urostomy Bags

2.1. One piece urostomy bag

The base or skin barrier of the one-piece urostomy bag is integrated with the bag body and can be replaced as a whole. As there is no connecting ring, it can better fit the shape of the abdomen, be softer and more comfortable, and be invisible and lightweight. It is suitable for beginners with inflexible hand operation and stoma.

2.2. Two piece urostomy bag:

The base or skin barrier of the two-piece urostomy bag is separated from the bag body and connected together through a mechanical coupling system. The skin barrier can adhere to the skin for reuse, and the bag body can be replaced independently. Two-piece ostomy bags can reduce skin irritation caused by frequent tearing. The bag body can be directly replaced, which is more convenient and faster. When replacing temporarily, there is no need to re-stick the base. It is suitable for patients with large urine output, frequent urination or sensitive skin.

2.3. Daily use urostomy bag

Daily use urostomy bags usually have a small capacity, are light, thin and invisible, flexible and convenient, and are easy to use for daily outdoor activities. It is usually equipped with a check valve and a bottom discharge valve to facilitate the discharge of urine and prevent its backflow.

2.4. Night drainage system

The Night drainage system usually has a large capacity. It consists of a night extension pipe and a large-capacity night drainage system for use at night. It is suitable for use before going to bed at night or when one cannot urinate for a long time, and can help patients reduce the frequency of getting up at night. The night drainage system is equipped with an anti-reflux system, which can effectively reduce the risk of infection caused by urine reflux.

3. Reasons for urostomy or a urostomy bag

When suffering from the following diseases, urostomy needs to be received, and urostomy bag should be used after the operation.

Bladder cancer:To cure bladder cancer completely, the entire bladder needs to be removed and urinary diversion must be performed.
Bladder or urethral tumors:When a patient has a tumor or cancer in the bladder or urethra, especially invasive bladder cancer. The diseased area needs to be removed, so urostomy surgery is required.
Neurogenic cystitis: It may cause severe urinary retention or incontinence and repeated infections. urostomy surgery is required to protect the kidneys and ensure normal urine excretion.
Radiation cystitis: After radiotherapy for pelvic malignant tumors, the bladder may suffer severe and irreversible damage, leading to severe pain, massive hematuria and bladder contracture. Cystectomy and urostomy are life-saving measures
Congenital malformations: Congenital ureteral malformations or ectropion of the bladder and other urinary disorders. Abnormal bladder development occurs at birth in the child, and a urostomy may be part of the reconstruction surgery.

What is a Colostomy Bag?

1.The definition of colostomy bag

The colostomy bag is a fecal collection bag specially designed for patients undergoing colostomy surgery. They usually consist of a sealed collection bag and a bonded skin barrier. The skin barrier is adhered to the skin to replace the original excretory function, helping patients keep themselves clean and hygienic at all times and prevent wounds from being contaminated by excreta.

2.Types of Colostomy Bags

2.1.One piece colostomy bag:

The bottom of the one-piece colostomy bag is connected to the bag body and cannot be separated. It can be used as a whole. When replacing, just tear it off as a whole directly. Simple to do, with few steps, convenient and fast.

2.2. Two piece colostomy bag:

The base of the two-piece colostomy bag is separated from the bag body and connected together through a mechanical coupling system. The Skin barrier can adhere to the skin and be reused many times. When changing, only the bag body needs to be replaced, which can reduce the irritation to the skin caused by frequent changes and base tearing. It is more skin-friendly and more economical.

2.3. Drainable colostomy bag:

There is an opening at the bottom of the Drainable colostomy bag for discharging excrement. It can be reused many times after being emptied. It doesn’t need to be replaced frequently, reduces irritation to the stoma, is more skin-friendly and economical.

2.4. Closed-end colostomy bag:

The bottom of the Closed-end colostomy bag is sealed and cannot be discharged. Single-use, discard after use, convenient and fast, no need to empty or clean, simple to operate.

3. Reasons for colostomy or a colostomy bag

When a patient has the following diseases, a colostomy bag needs to be worn:

Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer can cause intestinal stenosis and even complete obstruction, requiring the removal of the anus and rectum. Therefore, a colostomy is necessary to expel feces.
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colon cancer: These diseases can cause repeated inflammation, ulcers, and even perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a temporary stoma needs to be set up to prevent excrement from irritating the intestines.
Intestinal obstruction:If acute intestinal obstruction is caused by inflammation or tumor, making the patient’s intestine temporarily unusable, a temporary colostomy needs to be established through surgery, and a temporary colostomy bag should be used to prevent intestinal perforation. The stoma can be cancelled only after the intestinal function returns to normal.
Traumatic intestinal injury: Due to trauma causing damage to the intestine or anus, to prevent further contamination and deterioration of the injured area, a stoma needs to be set up to temporarily expel feces, allowing the injured area to heal better.
Congenital megacolon: At birth, due to the lack of intestinal ganglion cells, the intestine cannot move and digest normally, and feces cannot be excreted normally. Therefore, the colon segment innervated by the nerve needs to be removed for intestinal remodeling. At the same time, colostomy is also required to relieve intestinal dilation and obstruction.

Lifestyle considerations

1.Living With an urostomy Bag

1.1.At home with an urostomy bag

Regularly empty the urostomy bag: When the urine reaches 1/3 to 1/2 of the bag’s capacity, it should be emptied in time to prevent the bag from being too heavy and pulling on the bottom.
Nighttime connection to the drainage system: It enables continuous urination at night, reduces the frequency of getting up at night, and maintains a comfortable sleep.
Skin protection: Each time the bag body is changed, gently clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and use stoma powder to protect and soothe the skin.
Observe the color and smell of urine: If the urine is cloudy, has an odd smell, is red or accompanied by fever, seek medical attention promptly.

1.2.Exercising with an urostomy bag

Moderate exercise can be done 6 to 8 weeks after the operation, but strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Avoid excessive force, intense abdominal exercises or impact exercises;
It can be used for low-impact activities such as walking, yoga and swimming (with waterproof bags and cases).
Make sure the bag body is securely fixed to avoid friction or pulling.

1.3.Healthy eating with an urostomy bag

Drink plenty of water every day to help dilute urine, prevent crystallization or infection.
Avoid eating irritating foods: such as coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks may irritate the urethral system.
Observe changes in urine color: Beets, B vitamins, and medications may temporarily alter urine color. There is no need to panic.

2.Living With a Colostomy Bag

2.1.At home with an colostomy bag

Replace the bag body as needed: Usually every 1 to 3 days.
Keep the area around the stoma clean and dry: Avoid skin irritation and redness.
Check the sealing performance of the bag body: to prevent gas expansion or leakage.
Use deodorants or activated carbon filters: Control odors and keep fresh.

2.2. Healthy eating with a colostomy bag

Most ostomy patients can resume their normal diet, but they should pay attention to having a light diet, chewing food slowly, and eating small meals frequently.
In the early postoperative period: One should mainly consume light and easily digestible foods to avoid indigestion or diarrhea and constipation that may affect the stoma.
Preventing blockage: For ileostomy patients, special caution should be exercised against underchewed high-fiber foods (such as corn, celery, mushrooms, nuts, and popcorn). They may form lumps, causing intestinal obstruction. The solution is to chop it up, cook it until soft and chew it thoroughly.
Prevent odors: Certain foods such as Onions, garlic, beans, and carbonated beverages may increase gas and odors; Yogurt, cranberry juice, coriander and the like may help reduce the unpleasant smell.
Regulating the nature of excrement: If you have loose stools for a long time and want the stool to form, you can consume more apple sauce, bananas, rice, etc. If one suffers from long-term constipation and hopes to dilute the stool, they can consume more fruit juice, alcohol, spicy food, etc.

2.3. How to Exercise With a Colostomy Bag

After the stoma is fully recovered, moderate exercise can be carried out. Start with walking, jogging and yoga, and gradually increase the intensity. Avoid strenuous exercise in the early postoperative period. Long-term exercise is beneficial to both physical and mental health.

Before exercising, the excrement and gas in the colostomy bag should be drained in time to prevent the bag from loosening and leaking due to excessive weight.
Prepare spare stoma bags and stoma cleaning and care products in advance for any unexpected needs.
For sports involving physical contact such as football, basketball and wrestling, one needs to be cautious. It is recommended to wear a professional stoma protective belt to prevent the stoma from being hit and getting injured.
When swimming, a waterproof base should be used. Before swimming, the ostomy bag can be emptied, or a mini bag or ostomy swimming cover can be used. There are a wide variety of swimsuits to choose from, which can cover the colostomy bag

2.4.Working with a colostomy bag

Most patients can resume normal work after the stoma recovers. Their daily clothes can completely cover and hide the colostomy bags, but changing them in public places may cause inconvenience.
Choose a colostomy bag with an activated carbon filtration device. Activated carbon can absorb the unpleasant odors in the ostomy bag, reduce the problem of swelling in the ostomy bag, and avoid the embarrassment of unpleasant odors in the office.
Choose a two-piece colostomy bag. No need to replace the base. Just quickly replace the bag body, which is more convenient and faster, avoiding the embarrassing trouble of cleaning and replacing office toilets.
It can be used in combination with leak-proof rings, leak-proof pastes, etc., to enhance the sealing performance and prevent water leakage or odor problems in the office.
Choose a loose and soft top to avoid rubbing and squeezing the bag, and it’s also convenient to hide the bag

How to Change a Colostomy Bag

Before change the colostomy bag, we should prepare the necessary items: a new colostomy bag, ostomy scissors, warm water and wet wipes, glue remover, ostomy powder, sealing rings, ostomy paste, etc. Wash your hands thoroughly and keep them clean.
Gently remove the old colostomy bag and examine the stoma and the surrounding skin: the color should be bright red and moist, without secretions, swelling or ulcers.
Clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and a wet wipe. Be careful to avoid using cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance.
Measure the diameter of the stoma and cut an opening 1-2 millimeters larger than the stoma on the bottom plate of the stoma bag.
A skin protective film can be chosen to form a protective layer.
After the skin at the stoma site dries, apply a new colostomy bag. Press gently to ensure a complete fit to the skin and avoid leakage.
Close the bottom discharge port;
Finally, check whether the colostomy bag is firmly adhered.
Discard used wet wipes and old urine bags and wash your hands.

Where to buy best colostomy bag and urostomy bag?

Zodelo, as a professional urostomy bag manufacturer, We offer a comprehensive product line from entry-level to premium: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories.—there’s always one that fits your daily routine.

We also had ISO13485, CE, and FDA certifications, bring you the most reassuring and high-quality ostomy care.

We will also provide the most high-quality customer service and after-sales service.

Get our product catalog and contact us.

FAQs About Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag

Q1. Are colostomy bags permanent?

Whether a colostomy bag is permanent depends on the type of disease, specific circumstances and the patient’s health condition. It is generally divided into temporary colostomy and permanent colostomy.

Temporary colostomyis suitable for certain diseases that temporarily need to bypass the intestine. After the intestinal function recovers, a colostomy can be surgical-removed to allow free defecation.
Permanent colostomyis suitable for some irreversible colorectal cancers or intestinal necrosis. It requires the removal of the diseased intestine, so it is impossible to use the intestine forever. Therefore, colostomy bags need to be worn for life.

Q2. Can a urostomy be reversed?

Urostomy is generally permanent and often occurs when the bladder is completely removed or severely damaged and cannot be restored.

Irreversible situation

Radical Cystectomy for bladder cancer

Radiation-induced bladder necrosis

Severe trauma leads to the loss of bladder function

Reversible situation:

Temporary urinary tract diversion, used for short-term drainage;

Those whose original bladder remains intact and whose function can be restored.

Q3. Do colostomy bags smell?

When used correctly, the colostomy bag will not have a distinct odor.

When colostomy bags leak, are not fully sealed, the activated carbon filter device fails, or when the diet contains strongly odorous food, a distinct unpleasant smell will occur.

How to prevent colostomy bags smell?

Choose high-quality deodorizing bag bodies: such as the Zodelo Activated Carbon Filter series;
Empty the bag body regularly;
Use deodorant drops or sprays;
Adjust your diet structure: Consume more foods that suppress taste, such as yogurt, mint, and parsley.

Conclusion - Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag

The Colostomy bag or urostomy bag is not an obstacle to life, but a new starting point for the body to regain health.

Patients can understand the similarities and differences between Urostomy Vs Colostomy Bag, scientifically and reasonably care for the stoma, adjust their mindset, and restore their health and confidence.

Zodelo believes that whether it is the Colostomy bag or the urostomy bag, their common mission is to help patients return to a confident and comfortable life. Through scientific care and professional quality stoma products (such as the Zodelo series), please feel free to contact us at any time if needed.Get our product catalog！

More Resources:

Common Types of Ostomies: Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urostomy– health.ucdavis
Types of Pouching Systems– UOAA
Ostomy – clevelandclinic
Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy– mayoclinic
Living with a urostomy, urine pouch or new bladder– cancerresearchuk