After urostomy surgery, it’s normal to have questions as you adjust to living with an ostomy. You may wonder how urostomy pouches work, what types of urostomy bags are available, and how to choose a urostomy pouch that will fit your body, routine, and lifestyle.
There are different types of urostomy bags, including one-piece and two-piece pouching systems with different features. Plus, there are handy night urine drainage options you might want to know about.
Below, we’ll explain what a urostomy bag is, what it’s used for, and what to consider when choosing urostomy supplies for your body, routine, and lifestyle.
What is a Urostomy Bag?
In a functioning urinary system, urine is filtered waste that leaves the kidneys and travels to the bladder through small tubes called ureters. Urine stays in the bladder until you’re ready to void, then passes through another tube called the urethra and out of the body.
After urostomy surgery, the bladder is either removed or bypassed due to bladder cancer, severe neurologic bladder issues, chronic infection or inflammation, injury, or another medical issue. The ostomy surgeon creates a new channel through which urine can pass and exit the body. This opening on the lower abdomen is called a stoma.
Urine will flow or dribble continuously from the stoma. A urostomy bag, also known as a urostomy pouch or pouching system, attaches over the stoma to collect urine.
Are There Different Types of Urostomy Bags?
Yes. Urostomy pouches are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Urostomy pouching systems are typically available as either one-piece or two-piece systems.
Urostomy bags may also feature different types of valves or drain openings, usually located at the bottom of the pouch.
Is there one kind of urostomy pouch that’s better than another? The honest answer is that what works well for one person may not work as well for someone else. What works and feels best for you will depend on your body, stoma, skin, routine, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
For example, someone with a flush or recessed stoma may benefit from a one-piece soft convex urostomy bag like the Esteem Body™ Urostomy Pouch.
Another person may prefer to apply the skin barrier of their choice in a two-piece urostomy pouching system, such as the SUR-FIT Natura® two-piece urostomy pouch.
Not sure what’s right for you? 180 Medical can help you explore your options based on your prescription, insurance coverage, and individual needs. Together, we can come up with a tailored order that’s just right for you.
How to Choose the Right Urostomy Bag
Before choosing or changing urostomy supplies, talk with your healthcare provider or certified ostomy nurse. They can help you understand your stoma, peristomal skin care needs, pouching routine, and any product features that may be appropriate for you.
While recovering in the hospital, your nurse may go over the basics of living with an ostomy, including stoma care, skin care, and how to apply and empty your pouching system. They may also have product recommendations or explain the features of different pouches and skin barriers.
1. Consider whether a one-piece or two-piece pouching system may work best for you.
As you begin getting used to your new urostomy, you may develop a preference between the two main types of urostomy pouching systems: one-piece and two-piece systems.
A one-piece urostomy pouch combines the skin barrier and collection pouch into one unit. When it is time to change your pouching system, both the skin barrier and pouch are removed together.
A two-piece urostomy pouching system includes a separate skin barrier and pouch. This allows the pouch to be changed while the skin barrier stays in place, depending on your routine and wear time.
Possible benefits of one-piece urostomy pouches
- Fewer parts to manage
- Lower-profile feel for some people
- No separate pouch-to-barrier connection to attach
Possible benefits of two-piece urostomy pouches
- The skin barrier may stay in place while the pouch is changed
- May be helpful for people with sensitive peristomal skin
- May make it easier to see the stoma when applying the skin barrier
Your doctor or ostomy nurse can help you decide whether a one-piece or two-piece pouching system may work better for your needs.
2. Think about how the pouch feels and works during your daily routine.
The right urostomy pouch should feel secure, comfortable, and manageable for your daily routine. As you compare options, it may help to think about how the pouch feels, how easy it is to drain, and whether it works well with your clothing, activities, and skin needs.
When you’re trying out or just thinking about your urostomy pouch options, you might ask yourself:
- Is the drainage valve secure enough for me not to worry about leakage?
- Is it easy to open and close when I need to drain my urostomy bag?
- Does the bag size feel discreet or slim against my body?
- Is the pouch material irritating, or is it mostly pretty comfortable against my skin all day?
- Does it fit well and suit my lifestyle/activity level?
3. Reach out to a company that specializes in ostomy supplies.
There are many medical supply companies that offer ostomy supplies. However, if you need help figuring out which types of urostomy bags may be right for you, it can help to work with trained specialists who understand ostomy product options.
180 Medical specializes in catheter and ostomy supplies. Our Ostomy Specialists can walk you through available product options, explain how your insurance may cover ostomy supplies, and help you request samples when available. We want to help you find supplies that fit your needs, coverage, and daily routine.
Where to Get Home-Delivered Urostomy Supplies
Finding the right urostomy pouching supplies can make daily life after surgery feel more manageable. We understand it can be overwhelming to compare product options while adjusting to a new ostomy.
180 Medical can help you explore urostomy product options, verify your insurance coverage, request samples when available, and get supplies delivered discreetly to your home.
Contact 180 Medical to speak with one of our knowledgeable, friendly Ostomy Specialists about your urostomy supply options.
Urostomy Bag FAQs
What is a urostomy bag?
A urostomy bag, also called a urostomy pouch, is an ostomy pouching system used to collect urine after urostomy surgery. The pouch attaches over a stoma, which is an opening created on the abdomen to allow urine to leave the body.
What is a urine ostomy bag used for?
A urostomy bag is used to collect urine when the bladder has been removed or bypassed. Urine flows from the stoma into the pouch throughout the day, and the pouch can be emptied through a drainage valve.
Is a urostomy bag the same as an ostomy bag?
A urostomy bag is a type of ostomy bag. Ostomy bags may be used for different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies. A urostomy bag is specifically designed to collect urine.
What is the best urostomy bag?
The best urostomy bag depends on your body, stoma, skin, routine, and personal preferences. Some people prefer a one-piece pouching system, while others prefer a two-piece system. Your doctor or ostomy nurse can help you decide which type may work best for your needs.
What’s the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece urostomy bag?
A one-piece urostomy bag combines the skin barrier and pouch into one unit. A two-piece system has a separate skin barrier and pouch, which allows the pouch to be changed while the barrier stays in place.
Can a urostomy bag be used at night?
Yes. Some people use a larger urostomy pouch at night, while others may connect their pouch to a night drainage system. Night drainage systems may allow urine to drain from the pouch through tubing into a bedside container while you sleep.
Your ostomy nurse or product specialist can help you determine which night drainage option may work with your pouching system.
For example, the Convatec Night Drainage System connects to compatible urostomy pouch valves with an adapter and drains urine into a bedside container.
Where can I get urostomy bags?
You can get urostomy bags through a reliable ostomy supplier such as 180 Medical, depending on your prescription and insurance coverage. 180 Medical can help you explore urostomy supply options, verify insurance benefits, and request samples when available.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
