What Is A Urostomy Bag?

2025-10-21
Author: Zodelo Ostomy

The Urostomy Bag can be said to be an indispensable tool for the urostomy paitent. It can help collect excrement, avoiding pollution, infection and the embarrassing problem of unpleasant odors. It is also an important partner for patients to return to a normal life and regain their confidence and self-esteem. Therefore, it is very important to have a correct understanding of What Is A Urostomy Bag. Whether it Is the patient themselves or their family members or partners,

Zodelo is well aware of the significance of the Urostomy Bag to the urostomy paitent. Therefore, Zodelo has always been committed to providing users with the highest quality ostomy supply and considerate ostomy care. In this article, we will introduce to you in detail What Is A Urostomy Bag.

About your urostomy

1. What is a urostomy (ileal conduit)?

Urostomy is an opening made in the abdomen to drain urine out of the body. When some patients have bladder damage or complete loss of bladder function, doctors will use ileal conduit to create a permanent or temporary stoma in the patient’s abdomen to expel urine from the kidneys, and use Urostomy Bag to collect urine.

2. How a urostomy is made?

Usually, after professional assessment, general anesthesia or regional anesthesia surgery is performed. The doctor will select an appropriate ileum segment as a “catheter”, with one section connecting to the external stoma and the other receiving the ureter’s discharge within the abdominal cavity. The ureter is implanted into the ileum segment and a reflux prevention structure is made to reduce urine reflux and damage to the kidneys. Then, the ileum segment was turned out, fixed and sutured in the abdomen to form a bright red and moist stoma. Finally, the bleeding was stopped and a drainage tube was placed to complete the operation.

3. Why is a urostomy necessary?

Urostomy is a surgical procedure that helps patients with damaged bladder or urethra to re-establish their urinary system. urostomy can help patients excrete urine from their bodies, prevent urine reflux from causing hydronephrosis or other complications, and reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, it can avoid the pain and infection risk at the surgical site caused by catheterization, which is more conducive to postoperative recovery.

Medical Condition	Underlying Problem	Purpose of Urostomy
Bladder Cancer	The bladder is removed, and urine has no natural passage.	A segment of the small intestine (ileum) is used to connect the ureters and divert urine to the abdominal surface.
Radiation-Induced or Severe Inflammatory Bladder Damage	Bladder shrinks, loses elasticity, and causes pain or retention.	Diverts urine flow to relieve symptoms, prevent infection, and protect kidney function.
Congenital Urinary Tract Abnormalities (e.g., Spina Bifida)	Abnormal urinary tract development and nerve control issues.	Provides an alternative outlet for urine to prevent urinary retention and kidney damage.
Bladder Trauma or Surgical Injury	Urinary leakage or bladder perforation.	Provides temporary or permanent urinary diversion to protect tissue healing.
Chronic Urinary Retention or Neurogenic Bladder	Urine cannot be emptied normally, causing backflow and kidney damage.	Creates an external drainage pathway to ensure smooth urine outflow and preserve renal function.

4. Reasons for colostomy or a colostomy bag

A colostomy is an opening made in the abdomen of a stoma patient for the excretion of feces and urine. Colostomy is divided into permanent colostomy and temporary colostomy. Some patients lose their normal excretory function due to intestinal or anal lesions or damage, and thus need a stoma to replace the original excretory function. At this time, colostomy bags are needed to collect the excrement discharged from the stoma.

Colostomy bag can effectively protect the skin and prevent excrement from contaminating and irritating it. It can prevent leakage and odor problems, allowing patients to live and work freely and comfortably, and return to a normal life after the operation.

About your urostomy bag system

1. What is a urostomy bag?

The urostomy bag is a medical device used to collect urine discharged from the stoma. When a patient loses the ability to urinate due to bladder disease or damage, the doctor will make a urostomy incision on the patient’s abdomen to replace the original urination function, and finally use a urostomy bag to collect the continuously excreted urine.

The urostomy bag protects the skin from continuous contamination and irritation by urine. It has the function of preventing leakage and odor, avoiding embarrassment. At the same time, it prevents urine reflux, reduces hydronephrosis and infection problems.

2.The composition of the urostomy bag

The urostomy bag is usually not a single entity but a complete urostomy bag system composed of numerous components.

Urostomy bag body: It is a bag body for collecting urine. Some have an integrated base, while others can be separated from the base. It has the functions of leak-proof and odor-proof.
Wafer or skin barrier:Pasted on the patient’s abdomen to fix the urostomy bag. It can adhere to the skin around the stoma to form a seal, and has the function of protecting the skin and preventing leakage.
Drainage port: The bottom is equipped with a liquid discharge port, which can be used to empty urine regularly and for multiple uses.
Activated carbon filtration system: Some urostomy Bags are equipped with an activated carbon filtration system, which can effectively adsorb odors and prevent the embarrassing problem of odors.
Anti-Reflux Valve: It can effectively prevent urine reflux, protect the stoma, and reduce hydronephrosis and infection problems.
Night Drainage Tube: It is used to connect the large-capacity urostomy pouchesfor night use and has the function of automatic drainage at night.

3. Different types of urostomy pouches

3.1 According to system structure

a.One piece urostomy bag：

The chassis or skin barrier is designed as an integrated unit with the bag body. When replacing, it should be replaced as a whole.

Suitable for: Patients with good skin conditions or regular skin discharge

Advantages: Easier and faster replacement, clean and hygienic, light, thin, concealed and comfortable.

Disadvantage: Each replacement requires a complete overhaul, which is slightly more costly.

b.Two piece urostomy bag：

The chassis or skin barrier of the two pieces urostomy bag is separated from the bag body. The skin barrier can be adhered to the skin for recycling, and the bag body can be replaced or emptied as needed. The connection methods can be divided into Click System or Adhesive Coupling: people with large urine output requiring frequent replacement or those with sensitive skin.

Advantages: The base can be adhered to the skin for reuse, and only the bag body needs to be replaced. More skin-friendly and more economical.

Disadvantage: Heavier and heavier.

3.2 By usage duration

Daily urostomy bag: Suitable for use when going out during the day or at work. The capacity is smaller than that of the night-use urostomy pouch. It is thinner, lighter and more invisible, making it convenient for daytime activities.
Night urostomy bag: Suitable for use while sleeping at night, it has a larger capacity and can be connected to a drainage tube for continuous drainage. Help patients avoid getting up frequently at night to empty their urostomy bags.

3.3 According to the stoma morphology

Flat Skin Barrier: Suitable for raised stomas, it can naturally adhere to the skin and reduce leakage.
Convex barrier: Suitable for sunken or flush stomas with the skin surface, Convex barrier can strongly adhere to the stoma and reduce leakage.

how to change a urostomy bag

1. Items required for changing a urostomy bag

Warm water and wet wipes:Used for cleaning the skin at the stoma site, but be careful to avoid using wet wipes or cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance.
New urostomy bag system: Choose the most suitable stoma system according to your own needs.
Ostomy scissors: The base needs to be cut according to the size of the ostomy.
Sealing ring or sealant:Fills the gap between the skin and the chassis, enhances the adhesion and sealing performance, and reduces leakage.
Exfoliating agent: Gently and effectively removes residual colloid from the skin, keeping it clean.
Stoma toner powder: Helps keep the skin dry and clean, and reduces irritation.

2.Step-by-Step guide to change a urostomy bag

Step 1: Wash your hands

Prepare the necessary items, wash your hands, and choose the first bright and clean place to change.

Step 2: Remove the old urostomy bag

First, empty the excrement inside the urostomy pouch. Hold the skin with one hand and gently remove the adhesive base with the other. If it cannot be removed, it can be used in combination with a glue remover.

Discard the old urostomy bag

Step 3: Observe the stoma

A normal stoma should be bright red and moist. If the color is incorrect or there is erosion, exudation or other conditions, one should go to the hospital for medical treatment in time.

Step Four: Clean the stoma

Gently wipe the stoma with warm water and a soft towel until it is clean.

Wait for the stoma to dry or use it in combination with stoma powder.

Step 5: Measure the diameter of the stoma

Measure the stoma with a measuring card to determine its diameter.

Step 6: Cutting

Based on the measured diameter, the opening diameter of the cutting base needs to be increased by 1-2mm. Confirm that the cutting edge is smooth and flat.

Step 7: Paste the chassis

Remove the undercarriage backing and gently press against the stoma to ensure a complete fit.

Step 8: Inspection

Check for any wrinkles or curled edges around the bag and observe whether the urine flows smoothly into the urostomy bag to ensure there is no leakage.

3.how often should a urostomy bag be changed

One piece urostomy bag: As the bag body and the chassis are integrated, it needs to be replaced as a whole when changing. It is recommended to change it every 1-2 days.

Two piece urostomy bag: The base can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and only the bag body needs to be replaced. It is recommended to replace it every 2 to 3 days.

If the environment is humid and hot with excessive sweating, it is recommended to shorten the replacement cycle.

If there is leakage, loose connection, obvious odor, redness, swelling and itching in the supermarket, it needs to be replaced immediately.

4. Precautions for change a urostomy bag

Avoid using wet wipes or cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance.

When pasting the base plate, it is important to keep the skin dry; otherwise, it may lead to a loose fit.

Select the appropriate base. For a raised stoma, choose a flat base; for a sunken stoma or one flush with the skin surface, select a convex base.

How to empty a urostomy bag

1. Step-by-Step guide to change a urostomy bag

Step 1: Prepare the items needed for the empty a urostomy bag: warm water, wet wipes or toilet paper. It is used for cleaning and wiping the discharge outlet and hands to keep them clean and hygienic.

Step 2: Select a clean drainage area, such as above the toilet or potty.

Step 3: After washing your hands thoroughly, align the drain outlet with the edge of the toilet, gently open the valve to allow urine to flow out slowly, and avoid squeezing hard.

Step 4: After the discharge is complete, wipe the discharge outlet clean with a wet wipe or toilet paper, or rinse it with a small amount of warm water and then dry it with toilet paper.

Step 5: Close the discharge outlet and check if it is completely closed, and whether there is any leakage or dripping.

Step 6: Check if the stoma is dry and if the urine discharge is smooth. Discard the used tissues and clean your hands.

2. how often to empty urostomy bag

When the urine in the bag reaches one-third or half, it should be drained immediately to prevent the bag from being too heavy and causing the bottom to loosen or leak.
When using it during the day, it is recommended to check and empty the urostomy bag every2 to 4 hours.
When sleeping at night, you can link to the night drainage bag, so you don’t have to get up frequently at night to empty the urostomy bag.
Before going out or going to bed, it is necessary to empty the urostomy bagto avoid leakage problems caused by prolonged inability to empty it.
When the urostomy bag expands, it is necessary to empty it in timeto avoid leakage.

Living with a urostomy bag

1. Home life with a urostomy bag

When patients are at home, it is necessary to regularly empty and drain the urostomy bag. When the urine in the bag reaches one-third or half, it should be emptied immediately. The One piece urostomy bag needs to be replaced as a whole. It is recommended to replace it every 1-2 days. Two piece urostomy bag: The base can be adhered to the skin for multiple uses, and the bag body is recommended to be replaced every 2-3 days.
When sleeping at night, you can link the night drainage bag to avoid frequently getting up at night to empty the urostomy bag and reduce the possibility of leakage.
Observe the skin condition on a daily basis. If the skin around the stoma becomes red, swollen, itchy or ulcerated, seek medical attention promptly.
When cleaning the stoma, avoid using cleaning products containing alcohol or fragrance.
When at home, you can wear light, breathable, soft and comfortable clothes to avoid rubbing the stoma.
Keep the indoor environment comfortable and dry, and avoid excessive humidity and high temperatures that can cause the skin to sweat and become damp, leading to skin problems or leakage issues.

2. Showering with your stoma

Stoma patients can take normal baths. When bathing again, they can choose to wear the urostomy bag or not.
During the bath, it is important to gently rinse with warm water to avoid excessive water pressure or temperature from causing damage to the stoma.
When taking a bath with the urostomy bag on, make sure the bag has a good seal between the bottom and the skin to prevent water from seeping into the stoma and causing infection.
Be careful to avoid using body wash, soap and other cleaning products containing fragrances that may irritate the skin around the stoma.
After washing, you need to wait for the skin at the stoma to dry before applying the urostomy bag.

3. Work and Socializing with a urostomy bag

It is recommended to check and empty the urostomy bag every 2 to 4 hours in the workplace.
When attending long meetings or on business trips, it is necessary to use the large-capacity or night-use urostomy bag.
Prepare spare urostomy bags and stoma accessories in the office.
When choosing clothes, try to select loose, soft and breathable garments to avoid the stoma area being too hot and stuffy.

4. Traveling after a urostomy

Before traveling: Prepare sufficient urostomy bags and stoma care products. You can carry some of the urostomy bags with you and put some in your suitcase.
You can apply for TSA or show your Medical Card when going through airport security.
It is necessary to empty and replace in time during the trip. When the urine in the bag reaches one-third or half, it should be emptied immediately.
When outdoors, you can use deodorizing products in combination to avoid the embarrassing problem of unpleasant odors.
When changing the urostomy bag, use some leak-proof bag accessories in combination, such as leak-proof rings and leak-proof paste, to enhance the firmness and sealing of the base, avoid leakage and odor during the journey, and prevent the problem of being unable to clean and replace in time.

5.Swimming with a urostomy bag

Patients with urostoma can swim completely, but they need to maintain a good seal between the skin and the undercarriage.
Before swimming, it is necessary to empty the urostomy bag to prevent the bag from being too heavy and causing leakage during swimming.
Use anti-leak rings and anti-leak paste, etc., to enhance the firmness and sealing performance of the chassis and reduce leakage.
Seawater and pool disinfectants may irritate the skin, so it is necessary to wash it in time after swimming and keep the stoma dry and fresh.

6. Diet with a urostomy bag

It is necessary to drink plenty of water every day for better health and to dilute urine to reduce unpleasant odors.

The diet should reduce salt intake to protect kidney function.

Avoid drinking carbonated beverages and alcohol to prevent excessive gas production that may cause bag swelling.

Avoid drinking tea and caffeine to prevent irritation of the stoma and increase in urine acidity.

It is necessary to have a balanced diet in daily life to enhance immunity and good health.

Problems caused by your urostomy

When the following situations occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening or causing a series of complications:

Severe abdominal pain without the expulsion of feces may indicate intestinal obstruction.
If the color of the stomata turns purple or black, it may indicate insufficient blood supply or stoma necrosis.
Cloudy urine or urine containing a large amount of crystals may indicate an infection.
There is erosion and exudation on the skin at the stoma, accompanied by itching or pain, and skin problems such as infection or allergy may occur.
Continuous excessive gas emissions have caused the stoma to swell.
The fever exceeds 38°C, with redness, swelling and pus around the mouth.
There is a large amount of bleeding at the stoma.

Where to Get Best Urostomy Supplies

At Zodelo, we offer a full range of bag products. such as: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series and Ostomy Product Accessories. These products are suitable for patients with all diseases and physical conditions. Zodelo has always been dedicated to professional ostomy care, aiming to enable all users to lead the most reassuring, comfortable and confident life. Get the Right Colostomy Pouch For You at Zodelo

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We will also provide the most high-quality customer service and after-sales service. No matter what questions or problems you have, you can contact us at any time.

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FAQ About What Is A Urostomy Bag

Q1. Can a urostomy be reversed?

Whether a urostomy can be reversed depends on the specific cause of the patient’s illness, their physical condition and the state of their bladder. It can generally be divided into permanent urostomy and temporary urostomy.

Permanenturostomy: A permanent urostomy cannot be reversed. If radical resection of bladder cancer is performed and the bladder is removed, it cannot be restored, so the stoma is also permanent and irreversible.

Temporary urostomy: A temporary urostomy can be reversed. If trauma, radiotherapy or surgical complications require temporary drainage, the stoma can be removed after full recovery, and normal urination function can be restored.

Q2. How can a patient prepare for a urostomy procedure?

After a professional doctor’s assessment and preoperative examination, it is determined that the appropriate time for urostomy surgery is right.
Before the operation, supplement nutrition and control diet to avoid anemia and malnutrition from affecting the progress of the surgery.
The doctor selects the appropriate position of the urinary stoma based on the patient’s body shape and waistline.
Before the operation, it is necessary to keep the intestines clean or fast.
It is possible to learn about the relevant knowledge of postoperative urostomy in advance, which can reduce psychological burden and anxiety. Or communicate fully with family members or partners to obtain psychological support.

Q3. Do you have a bladder if you have a urostomy?

Situation	Whether to retain the bladder	Explanation
Radical Cystectomy	The bladder was completely removed	The most common situation. To prevent tumor recurrence, the bladder along with some of the surrounding tissues was removed.
Radiation-induced bladder injury or severe trauma can damage the bladder	The bladder has lost its function or been removed	Diverting to urinate is the only safe option to protect kidney function.
Temporary Diversion	The bladder is still there but not in use for the time being	It is generally used during the recovery period after trauma, infection or surgery, and there is a chance to restore natural urination after recovery.

Q4. What does having a stoma feel like?

In the early stage after the operation, there may be mild pain or a burning sensation, sensitive and damp skin or frequent oozing. At the same time, it is accompanied by intestinal rumbling and gas expulsion. Patients may experience feelings of anxiety, worry and fear.

After the postoperative adaptation, the stoma gradually stabilized. The feeling of pain and itching will no longer occur. The patient will gradually ignore the existence of the stoma, be able to move freely and travel, and become proficient in changing and emptying the stoma bag. The patient began to regain confidence and live positively.

Conclusion — What Is A Urostomy Bag

The Urostomy bag is not merely a simple medical consumable; it is an important companion for Urostomy patients to regain confidence and maintain a normal life. Therefore, while understanding What Is A Urostomy Bag, it is also necessary to scientifically and correctly care for the stoma, and to use and replace the Urostomy Bag correctly in order to live a healthier and more comfortable life.

Zodelo is committed to providing high-quality ostomy bags and accessories for ostomy patients worldwide. It continuously researches and upgrades ostomy care solutions, adheres to medical safety standards, and brings confident, comfortable and reassuring ostomy care quality to all ostomy patients. If you have any needs or questions, please feel free to contact us or Get our product catalog !

More Resourses:

Urostomy— clevelandclinic
urostomy— cancerresearchuk
Urostomy – Stoma and Skin Care— ufhealth
Urostomy pouches and supplies— medlineplus