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Sally Wright has worked as a Stoma Care Nurse for over 15 years, providing specialist care, education, and support to individuals recovering from stoma surgery within the community. Sally recognises that every patient’s recovery journey is unique, and she has a particular interest in the psychological aspects of adapting to life with a stoma. Her previous role as a Dermatology Sister highlighted the importance of emotional wellbeing whilst coming to terms with changes to our bodies and the impact on self esteem.
A urostomy is created when normal urinary drainage is no longer possible. This can happen due to a number of reasons:
In urostomy surgery, a small piece of the small intestine (usually the ileum) is typically used to create a new urinary drainage route. Your surgeon connects your ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys) to this piece of bowel and brings the end through your abdominal wall. This creates your stoma: a small, pinkish opening that continuously drains urine.
The exact details of your procedure depend on your individual situation. Some urostomies are performed as open surgery, while others use minimally invasive keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). Your surgeon will discuss which approach is right for you (before the procedure) in a relaxed setting with plenty of time for your questions.
The ileal conduit is the most widely used form of urostomy. A short piece of small bowel serves as a "channel" to direct urine from your ureters to the outside. Urine flows continuously from the stoma into a special pouch. This form is reliable and straightforward to manage.
With this option, an internal reservoir (a sort of pouch) is created from your own bowel tissue to collect urine. Unlike other urostomy forms, urine doesn't flow continuously into an external pouch. Instead, you empty it several times daily using a catheter.
This means more independence in everyday life, but it also requires discipline and a regular catheterisation routine. Whether this is an option for you is very individual and depends on various medical factors. Discuss this openly with your surgeon.
A neobladder is an artificially created reservoir made from bowel tissue that functions like a natural bladder. Urine can be emptied through natural contractions or by using your abdominal muscles. This is a more complex procedure and is only performed in specific cases.
Adjusting to a urostomy is both an emotional and physical challenge. Some people experience relief and discover a new quality of life while others initially struggle to accept the change. Both reactions are completely normal.
Remember that your urostomy doesn't make your body less worthy or less beautiful. The adjustment process takes time. Counselling and support groups can help you process your feelings and rebuild your confidence.
A urostomy has less impact on your diet than other stoma types. You don't have to give up your favourite foods. Most people return to their normal diet relatively quickly.
The key is drinking enough fluids and taking care of your urinary health. Certain foods can intensify urine odour, but this varies from person to person.
With a urostomy, adequate fluid intake is extremely important. Water helps keep your urinary tract healthy and prevents infections. Continuous urine flow is also an important sign that your urostomy is working properly.
If you notice changes, contact your doctor.
Caring for your stoma properly is the foundation for long-term comfort and health. The skin around your stoma is especially sensitive and asks for a regular stoma skin care. Since urine flows continuously, it's constantly exposed to moisture and more susceptible to irritation and infection. That's why a consistent, gentle routine that protects your skin and prevents problems is so important.
If your skin is already irritated, special skin barrier products can help. If you have ongoing skin problems or signs of infection, talk to your doctor or stoma care specialist.
Exercise is important, even with a urostomy. After an appropriate recovery period (rest immediately after surgery), you can do almost any sport that feels comfortable for you.
With some preparation, you can enjoy an active life.
The right products make all the difference. Our ostomy pouches and accessories are specifically designed to give you security and comfort in daily life. Explore our full range of urostomy products.
Managing a urostomy can be emotionally challenging. You're not alone. Talking with your stoma care nurse, family, or supportive people can make a real difference. There are many support groups and resources available to help you adapt to your new situation.
A urostomy is a surgical procedure that reroutes your urinary system so urine drains through an artificially created opening (stoma) in your abdominal wall. This becomes necessary when your bladder has been removed, no longer functions, or needs to be bypassed for medical reasons. After surgery, urine flows continuously and involuntarily from your stoma directly into a special pouch.
Although both are stoma types, they're fundamentally different:
Both require special pouches and daily care, but the medical requirements and everyday challenges are different.
Urostomy surgery is a surgical procedure where surgeons reroute your natural urinary system and create a new drainage pathway. A short piece of small bowel is typically removed and connected to your ureters, creating a "channel" for urine. The other end of this piece of bowel is brought through your abdominal wall to form your stoma.
The operation can be performed differently depending on which type of urostomy is created (ileal conduit, continent reservoir, or neobladder). Your surgeon will discuss the details with you before surgery.
A urostomy works continuously: urine flows constantly from your stoma, like a leaky tap. You therefore need to wear a special urostomy pouch at all times to collect the urine.
In daily life, this means:
With practice, the routine becomes a habit and takes just a few minutes each day.
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