After Urostomy Creation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
After a urostomy,
you will need to care for your stoma and the skin around it. You will also need to prevent infections.
Seek care immediately if:
- You cannot stop the bleeding from your stoma.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have blood in your urine, and your urine has a strong odor.
- Your incision wound or stoma is red or swollen, or you have a rash.
- You have nausea, bloating, pain, or are vomiting.
- You empty less than 30 mL of urine from your pouch per hour or less than your healthcare provider said you should.
- Your stoma changes in size or appearance.
- You are weak and unable to do your normal activities.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat a bacterial infection or to reduce pain. Ask your healthcare provider how to take pain medicine safely.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Go slowly and be careful after surgery:
You may need to limit your activities for the first 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Do not lift anything heavy. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities and sports. Contact sports, such as football, may not be safe for you even after you heal from surgery.
Care for your stoma and the skin around the stoma:
- Wash your hands before you care for your stoma. This will help prevent infection.
- Wash the stoma and the skin around it with mild soap and water. Rinse the area well and pat dry.
- Check the stoma and the skin around it for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
- Do not use rubbing alcohol or any other product that can irritate or dry your skin.
- Do not put powders or creams on the skin around the stoma. Powders and creams may prevent the skin barrier from sticking.
Ask when you can take a bath or shower after surgery:
You can leave the pouch on or take it off when you bathe. If you leave the pouch off, urine may leak out of the stoma while you bathe. This is normal. Carefully dry the skin around the stoma and apply new skin protection.
Drink liquids as directed:
You may need to drink more liquid than before your urostomy. Liquid will help prevent a urinary tract infection. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid you should drink each day. Ask which liquids are best for you.
Return to work when your healthcare provider says it is okay:
You may need to wait a few days before you can return to work. You may need support to prevent a hernia if you lift heavy items or perform heavy labor. An ostomy belt placed over the pouch will help keep it in place.
Carry extra supplies with you in case your bag leaks:
Supplies include extra pouches, skin protection products, and a change of clothing. Wear loose clothing so it will not rub against the stoma.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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