Preventing Urinary Tract Infections After Urostomy Surgery

Urinary tract infections can still occur after urostomy surgery. Learn about some basic diet and ostomy pouch routines that can help prevent them.

Get tips for preventing urinary tract infections when you have a urostomy.

After your urostomy surgery, you may still develop urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because your body is vulnerable to infections in the urinary tract. UTIs can also lead to kidney problems. The good news is that a few diet changes and ostomy pouch routines can help you avoid this issue.

Tips for avoiding UTIs

To help prevent UTIs, follow these guidelines:

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Drinking plenty of fluids is a key way to keep UTIs at bay.
• Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine and alcohol. These can dehydrate you and make you more susceptible to UTIs.
• If you use a night drainage system, make sure to thoroughly clean the leg bag or container
• Empty your pouch when it is one-third to half full

UTI symptoms to look out for

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional or your stoma care nurse right away:

• Dark, cloudy urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Back pain (where your kidneys are located)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

View or print the full PDF booklets: Understanding Your Ileostomy.