Urostomy Types And Pouching Systems

There are two types of urostomy: the incontinent (conventional) urostomy and the continent urostomy. Your doctor will determine what type of urostomy is suitable in your case. There will be several factors involved in this scenario.

Incontinent (conventional) urostomy

The primary requirement of this type of urostomy is the making of an ileal conduit, which can also be referred to as an internal pouch. The ileal conduit is a piece of small intestine used to transport urine coming from the ureters to the stoma. This conduit is cut from the small intestine, and it is 5-6 inches in length. The remaining part of the small intestine is then connected to the large intestine.

After the stoma has been created with an ileal conduit, the surgeon detaches ureters from the bladder and connects them with the conduit. At one of the conduit is the ureters connected, and the other end serves as the stoma, which is an opening sticking to the abdominal wall.

A patient with urostomy doesn’t have any control over the urine output, so he needs to wear an ostomy pouch at all times to collect the urine evacuated by the urostomy.

Continent urostomy

A continent urostomy also involves the creation of a small pouch, but this pouch has valves to keep the urine from flowing back into the kidneys. Another valve allows the patient to keep the urine in the pouch until it needs to be removed. The patient must drain the pouch four to five times a day with the help of a thin tube called a catheter. You will learn how to drain the pouch by your doctor.

There are different types of continent urostomy.

• A Kock pouch is the most common type of diversion used in the continent urostomies. The pouch, valves, and the outlet in this diversion are made from the end of the small intestine.
• Another type of continent urine diversion is the Indiana pouch. The pouch in this diversion consists of the large intestine, while its outlet consists of a part of the small intestine.
• The ileal neobladder is another type of continent urine diversion. It consists of the small intestine.

Types of ostomy pouching systems

Urostomy Pouches are available in different sizes and types. You can choose the most appropriate ostomy bag with guidance from your ostomy care nurse. Generally, there are two types of urostomy pouches to choose from: one-piece ostomy pouches and two-piece ostomy pouches. A one-piece ostomy pouch has a bag and the skin barrier attached in the same unit. When you will need to change the pouch, you are going to have to take the barrier off too.

A two-piece ostomy pouch, on the other hand, uses the bag and the barrier as two different entities. You can take the bag off, while the barrier will stay in place.

You can pick an ostomy pouch based on your requirements. Make sure to consult with your doctor before engaging in any decision making process regarding your ostomy care regimen.