Urostomy
We’re here to offer expert care and compassionate support before and after urostomy surgery.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on April 30, 2026.
Expert Care for Urostomy Surgery
Urostomy is surgery that helps your body pass urine when your bladder no longer works or must be removed. We know this surgery and the changes afterward can feel overwhelming. The UC Davis Health Department of Urologic Surgery care team is here to answer questions, ease concerns and help you feel confident about what’s ahead.
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Types of Urostomies
You may need urostomy surgery if your bladder is damaged, not working well or needs to be removed. This can happen because of bladder cancer, spinal cord injuries or other bladder problems. Your surgeon creates a small opening, or stoma, in your belly. Newly created or rerouted urine tubes connect to the stoma, allowing urine to leave your body.
Colonic Conduit Urostomy
A colonic conduit urostomy uses a section of your large intestine to create a new pathway for urine to leave your body. A pouch that attaches to the stoma collects the urine.
Ileal Conduit Urostomy
An ileal conduit urostomy uses a section of your small intestine to carry urine from your kidneys to a stoma. Urine flows from the stoma into a pouch worn on your belly.
Ureterostomy
A ureterostomy connects one or both ureters (tubes that carry urine from each kidney) to a stoma on your belly. A pouch over the stoma collects urine.
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Preparing for Urostomy Surgery
It’s common to have concerns before urostomy surgery. Your team at UC Davis Health is here to ease your worries with compassionate care. We’ll explain what to expect and help you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
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Before Surgery
Before surgery, you'll meet with your care team including a stoma nurse. We'll discuss the procedure together and answer any questions you may have. Your stoma nurse or surgeon will mark the best spot for your stoma to ensure comfort and a good fit for your pouch.
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During Surgery
During surgery, your surgeon creates a stoma that lets urine drain from your body. You'll be asleep under anesthesia, and your care team will closely monitor you the entire time. Surgery typically takes three to five hours.
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After Surgery
You’ll wake up in a recovery area with your care team, making sure you're safe and comfortable. You’ll stay in the hospital for three to five days. Before you go home, we’ll show you everything you need to know about caring for your stoma and pouch.
Home Care
Most people recover fully within eight weeks. With time and practice, you'll gain confidence in managing your pouch and living fully with your urostomy. We're here to answer your questions as you adjust.
Care for Your Stoma and Pouch
Keep the area clean and dry and take your time learning how to change your pouch with care.
Give Yourself Time to Heal
Healing takes time. Go slowly, listen to your body and ease back into your routine at your own pace.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Drink plenty of fluids and eat simple, balanced meals to support healing and help you feel stronger each day.
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U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
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Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
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