A Urostomy involves separating a small piece of intestine from your main section and attaching it to your ureters. These ureters, in turn, empty the urine from each kidney through a connected sac into the stoma, or opening in the abdominal wall. The urine is then disposed of in urostomy pouches, which are attached to your body.

These pouches are flat, watertight, and lightweight. They adhere to your skin through a one or two-piece system. In a two-piece system, skin barrier wafers stick to your skin and then a pouch is attached on top of the wafer to protect the area around your stoma. In a one-piece appliance, all of these components are fitted into one.

Many of these pouches are even equipped with special innovations made just for urostomates. For example, most of them are installed with an anti-reflux valve that allows urine to drain into the bag, but not to flow back up into the stoma. Urine carries a high level of bacteria and can infect your stoma and even your kidneys if allowed back in your system, so these types of valves are absolutely necessary.

Stoma bags come in different sizes and shapes. It is important to have your stoma precisely measured both immediately after surgery and approximately three to six months after to accurately determine what size bag you need to accommodate your stoma. Typically, the stoma will shrink within a few months to its permanent size, so a new bag may be needed. Order today from SGV Medical Supplies at www.sgvmedical.com. We can also be reached by phone at 818-787-0162.