Types of Urostomies and Pouching Systems
There are 2 basic options for urostomy surgery, often called urinary diversion. The 2 types are named for how the pathway that allows urine to pass from the body is diverted (re-routed or changed) during the procedure.
- Incontinent diversion, sometimes called a standard or conventional urostomy
- Continent diversion, also called a continent urostomy or continent urinary reservoir
Many factors must be considered when deciding which type is needed. The surgeon will talk with you to help you decide which is the best option.
Incontinent diversion
(standard or conventional urostomy)
Reasons surgery may be needed: Bladder cancer Neurologic dysfunction Birth defects Chronic inflammation of bladder |
Output: Urine and some mucus; will be continuous (non-stop) drainage |
Management: Skin protection is needed; will need a drainable, valve-end pouch that’s adaptable to night drainage |
For this type of urostomy, an ileal conduit is made. An ileal conduit is a small pouch that holds urine. It’s surgically created from a small piece of bowel (intestine).
To make an ileal conduit, a 6- to 8- inch piece of the lower part of the small intestine (called the ileum) is cut out near where it attaches to the large intestine (colon). The rest of the ileum is then re-connected to the large intestine. The ureters are detached from the bladder and attached to the piece of ileum that was removed. The bladder may or may not be removed. The far end of the piece of ileum is brought through the front of the abdomen wall to form the stoma. The other end is sewn closed to make a pocket that holds the urine inside the body. This surgery is a life-long change. The urine output cannot be controlled and a collection pouch will have to be worn at all times.

The small intestine produces mucus naturally. The segment of intestine that was used to form the ileal conduit or urine pocket will keep making mucus, too. The mucus will collect in the pouch along with the urine. This is normal.
Continent diversion
(continent urostomy or urinary reservoir)
For this type of urostomy, the surgeon also makes an internal pouch. In this case, the pouch has valves to keep the urine from backing up the ureters into the kidneys. There’s also a valve to keep the urine in the pouch until it’s removed. The pouch must be drained 4 or 5 times a day with a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The doctor or ostomy nurse will teach you how to drain the pouch and help you make a schedule to do it.
Types of continent diversion urostomies
There are several different ways of creating a continent diversion urostomy, each using different parts to create the storage pouch, valves, and outlet.
Kock pouch: the pouch, valves, and outlet are made from the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum).
Indiana pouch: the pouch is made from the large intestine (ascending colon). The outlet is made from the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum), and the natural ileocecal valve is used.
Mitrofanoff procedure: this type of diversion can have several different variations. The pouch can be made from the bladder, large or small intestines, or a combination. The outlet is made from the appendix, a fallopian tube, or part of the ureter.
Ileal neobladder: the pouch is made from the small intestine (ileum). For a neobladder, there is no ostomy, and urine is passed through the urethra. You won't have the urge to urinate, so a schedule is needed.

Types of pouching systems
Pouches come in many styles and sizes, and an ostomy nurse can help you choose the best one for your situation and lifestyle. They all have a collection pouch to collect the urinary drainage and an adhesive barrier that sticks to your skin (called a flange, skin barrier, or wafer) and a collection pouch. There are 2 main types of systems available.
- One-piece pouches have both a pouch and skin barrier attached together in the same unit. When the pouch is removed, the barrier also comes off.
- Two-piece systems have a pouch and a separate skin barrier. When the pouch is taken off, the barrier stays in place.
While you are in the hospital after your surgery, an ostomy nurse will talk to you about your personal needs and help you pick a pouching system. For some, this pouch is the type worn for a lifetime. Others will need to change to a new or different type of pouching system later on if they gain weight, grow (in the case of a child), or for other reasons. Do not keep using a recommended pouch if it’s not working the way you need it to. Try different types until you find one that feels good, works well, and is easy to use.
Fitting the skin barrier
The constant flow of urine from the stoma can irritate the nearby skin. The pouching system’s skin barrier is designed to protect the skin from urine and be as gentle to the skin as possible. Depending on the design, you may need to cut a hole out for your stoma, or it may be sized and pre-cut.
Right after surgery the stoma is swollen, but it will shrink over the next 6 to 8 weeks. During this time the stoma should be measured about once a week. A measuring card may be included in boxes of pouches or skin barriers, or you can make your own template that matches your stoma shape. The opening on the skin barrier should be no more than 1/8-inch larger than the stoma size to keep urine off the skin.
Using an ostomy belt or tape
Wearing an ostomy belt to help hold the pouch in place is a personal choice. The belt attaches to the pouching system and wraps around your waist. Some people with urostomies wear a belt because it makes them feel more secure and it supports the pouching system, which can get heavy as it fills with urine. Others find a belt awkward and use tape instead. Tape can be put around the outside edge of the skin barrier like a frame, to help hold it in place.
If you choose to wear an ostomy belt, adjust it so that you can get 2 fingers between the belt and your waist. This helps keep you from getting a deep groove or cut in the skin around the stoma, which can cause serious damage to the stoma and sores (pressure ulcers) on the nearby skin.