Urostomy Creation

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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Urostomy creation is surgery to create a new way for urine to drain from your body. This may be needed if your bladder is not working correctly or was removed, such as for cancer treatment. A part of the small intestine called the ileum is used to create an opening on your abdomen called a stoma. Urine will leave your body through the stoma. The urine will either be stored in the ilium or flow into a pouch. This depends on the kind of surgery you have.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Seek care immediately if:

• You cannot stop the bleeding from your stoma.
• You have severe abdominal pain.

Call your doctor or surgeon 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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• 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.

Self-care after urostomy creation:

• Care for the skin around your stoma. Wash your hands before and after 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. Do not rub on the stoma. Check the skin for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Ask for more information on stoma care.
• Go slowly and be careful after surgery. You will need to limit your activities for the first 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, or as directed. 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.
• 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. Carefully dry the skin around the stoma and apply new skin protection.
• Drink liquids as directed. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much liquid you should drink each day.
• Return to work when your healthcare provider says it is okay. You may need support to prevent a hernia if you lift heavy items or perform heavy labor. You may need an ostomy belt over the pouch to 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.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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.

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