Urostomy

A Urostomy is a stoma, or opening, in your abdominal wall that connects to your urinary tract to allow urine to drain freely from your body.
Urine is collected and stored in a small bag, called a urostomy pouch, which you can empty at your convenience.
The pouch is attached to the skin around your stoma and worn outside your body.

What is a Leg Bag?

A leg bag attaches to the urostomy pouch, increasing the volume of urine it can hold. This reduces the frequency of emptying the pouch, making it particularly useful during long periods without access to a restroom, such as during travel or at work.

Leg bags are typically smaller and more discreet than standard urostomy pouches, allowing users to wear them under clothing without drawing attention. They are designed to be comfortable and secure, often featuring adjustable straps for attachment to the thigh.

Benefits of Using a Leg Bag

Increased Capacity: Leg bags can hold more urine than standard pouches, which is beneficial for those who may not be able to empty their pouch frequently.
Mobility: The compact size and secure fit allow for greater freedom of movement without discomfort or fear of leakage.
Discretion: Their design enables users to maintain a low profile while managing their urostomy.

Considerations

Hygiene: Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent infections. Users should follow guidelines for emptying and cleaning the leg bag.
Comfort: It's important to ensure that the leg bag is securely fastened but not too tight, as this can cause discomfort or restrict circulation.

How to empty your Urostomy Pouch ?

Empty your pouch every 2 to 4 hours or when it becomes 1/3 full.
Before removing the pouching system stop having any liquid at least for 2 hours prior.
Point the opening of the pouch into the toilet without touching the toilet.
Open the clamp that keeps the pouch closed.
It is normal to see mucus in urine emptied from a urostomy.
Empty the pouch into the toilet and close the clamp.
Wash your hands with soap.

URINARY CRYSTALS

Urinary crystals on the stoma or skin around the stoma happen when the urine is alkaline, which means that bacteria decompose uric acid in alkaline urine into white powder crystals, which adhere to the stoma and on its surrounding skin.
The crystals look like white particles that feel gritty.
They can lead to your stoma becoming irritated and can sometimes cause bleeding.
By maintaining acidic urine, you can cut down on urinary crystals.

Clinical Manifestations

Slight bleeding of the stoma mucosa and active bleeding can be seen in severe cases.
Haematuria sometimes occurs.
Passed urine has a strong urine smell.
Redness, itching, hyperplasia, and uneven height of the stoma and surrounding skin.

How to treat urinary crystals?

Prepare a solution of 1-part white vinegar & 1 part with water.
Remove the urostomy pouch carefully.
To remove skin prep or Ostomy Adhesive, use warm water and rinse the stoma.
Take vinegar and water solution and apply to the stoma for a couple of minutes.
The urinary crystal will dissolve in the solution and the area will get cleaned up.
At last rinse the area with warm water and carry on with the pouching routine.

How to maintain the acidity of urine?

Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
Drink more water if your body temperature is hot or you have fever.
Consume more meat, cereals, beans, fish, coffee, plums and prunes to in maintain the ph. level toward acidity.
Drink barley water, cranberry and lemon juice instead of orange juice. This will make the urine acidic.

Techniques Will Help Keep Your Skin Healthy

Use the correct size and type of pouch/skin barrier opening.
Change the pouch regularly to avoid leakage and skin irritation.
It is recommended to change the pouch if itching and/or burning occurs.
Remove the skin barrier gently by pushing your skin from the pouch rather than pulling the pouch from the skin.
Keep the skin clean with water / mild soap and rinse very well
Pat skin dry before applying the skin barrier or pouch.
Watch for sensitivities and allergies to adhesive, skin barrier, tape, or pouch material.
If you have a skin irritation that is caused by the pouch material, you might try a pouch cover