Changing your urostomy bag
This page tells you about changing your urostomy bag. There are sections about
Changing your urostomy bag
There are different types of urostomy bag, so we can’t give you detailed information about how to change it here. Your stoma nurse will show you how to change your bag. It is helpful to keep everything you need in a bag or in one place. That way, you won’t discover that something is missing half way through.
You don’t have to keep anything sterile (completely free from all germs) for a bag change. But it’s important to be hygienic so do wash your hands before and after. It’s also important to look after your stoma and the skin round it. As part of each bag change, you’ll need to wash and dry the skin thoroughly.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the Living with bladder cancer section.
Your stoma nurse will show you how to change your bag. There are two main types of bag – one piece and two piece. A one piece system has the bag, seal and adhesive patch in one and can last for 2 to 3 days. A two piece system has a separate bag and flange. The flange is a soft, flat, plastic adhesive disc that sticks to the body and the bag clips onto it. You can leave the flange in place for up to 5 days and just change the bag.
To fit a new bag, you have to cut a hole in the flange or adhesive patch to fit your stoma. The more accurate the fit, the less likely the bag is to leak. You will get very good at this with practice. You will need to have
- Your new bag and flange (if you use one)
- A measuring guide
- Tissues or absorbent cloth
- Warm water and wipes
- A disposal bag or newspaper
- Scissors
- A small mirror for looking at your stoma
You may also need
- Barrier cream
- Adhesive paste (if you are changing your flange or one piece bag)
It is helpful to keep everything you need in a bag or in one place. That way, you won't be halfway through and realise there is something vital missing.
When changing your bag, you don't have to worry about keeping anything sterile (completely free of all germs). You have to be clean rather than sterile. Urine is sterile unless it is infected. But you should try to be as hygienic as possible. So wash your hands before and after you change your bag.
- Wash your hands
- Get your new bag or flange ready by cutting a hole to fit your stoma
- Drain your old bag, peel it off carefully and throw it away in your disposal bag or wrap in newspaper
- Clean round your stoma with warm water and wipes and dry thoroughly with tissues or absorbent cloth
- If you use barrier cream, massage it in well or it might stop your back sticking to your skin properly
- Check the size of your stoma with the measuring guide to make sure it hasn't changed (your stoma nurse will show you how to do this)
- Stick your new bag or flange in place
- Make sure the tap of the bag is closed
- Wash your hands
You can put the old bag in the bin, well wrapped up. Or your local authority may have a dressing collection service to take it away.
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