ileal

Patient Care. Physical care of the patient with urinary diversion via an ileal conduit and collection of the urine outside the body is essentially the same as for any patient with a stoma. The following information is specific to problems of urinary diversion. However, persons with a stoma of any kind share many of the same problems, especially those related to the psychosocial impact of this kind of surgery. These common problems are discussed under stoma.

Major concerns related to the physical care of a patient with an ileal conduit are peristomal skin care, monitoring urinary flow, control of odor, and selection and care of the collection device.

Protection of the skin around the stoma requires attention to cleanliness and providing a protective barrier to prevent contact between the skin and the urine. Because there is continuous drainage of urine down the ureters from the kidney, there is always the threat of damage to the integrity of the skin from continued exposure to the caustic urine. It is not so much the flow of urine across the skin that is a cause for concern as it is the pooling of stagnant urine on the skin.

Additionally, moisture has a tendency to collect under the faceplate of the collection appliance, thus providing an ideal environment for yeast and mold infections. To avoid this the area is cleaned periodically with soap and water and thoroughly dried. A protective barrier of some type (there are several alternatives) is then applied. Topical medications such as Mycolog ointment, Kenalog spray, or Mycostatin powder may be used to prevent or treat infections.

The appliance usually must be emptied several times a day, depending on fluid intake and whether a leg bag is used to collect the urine. At the time urine is emptied its amount and characteristics are noted in much the same way one observes urine that has collected in the bladder and been voided normally.

The major causes of odor problems in urinary diversion are improper techniques in cleaning and storing appliances, inadequate use of deodorant acidifiers, urinary tract infections, a poor quality collection pouch that allows leakage, and poor basic hygiene. Dietary factors also must be considered as possible causes; for example, asparagus causes a peculiar odor in the urine.

The pouches used for collection of urine usually are cleaned with soap and water and rinsed in a white vinegar solution to help eliminate odor. Manufacturers of collection devices offer detailed instructions for the proper cleaning and storing of reusable appliances.