Your Urostomy Doesn't Have to Rule Your Life
You had bladder surgery and now live with a urostomy — the change feels overwhelming.
Which pouch works best, how often to change it, and preventing leaks all matter.
The right products and a solid routine turn urostomy care from stressful to routine.
This guide covers the Hollister New Image two-piece system Yaletown stocks for Vancouver customers.
Read it after your hospital discharge and share it with your caregivers.
What Is a Urostomy?
Common reasons for urostomy surgery:
- Bladder cancer requiring bladder removal.
- Severe bladder injury from trauma.
- Congenital bladder abnormalities.
- Neurological conditions affecting bladder function.
- Chronic severe interstitial cystitis.
How urostomies work:
- Surgeon creates an ileal conduit using a piece of small intestine.
- Ureters (tubes from kidneys) attach to this conduit.
- Urine drains continuously through the stoma into an external pouch.
- Unlike a colostomy or ileostomy, urostomy output is only urine.
What to expect:
- Continuous urine drainage — you cannot control when it happens.
- Small amount of mucus discharge is normal.
- Stoma color should stay pink or red (like the inside of your cheek).
- Peristomal skin (skin around the stoma) needs daily protection.
The Hollister New Image Two-Piece System
System components:
- Skin barrier (baseplate) — adheres to the skin around the stoma.
- Urostomy pouch — collects urine, snaps onto the skin barrier.
- Locking flange — connects the two pieces securely.
Why choose two-piece over one-piece:
- Change the pouch without removing the skin barrier (saves skin irritation).
- Swap pouches for different activities (day pouch, night bag, active pouch).
- Skin barrier stays in place for 3-7 days between changes.
- Better for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate frequent barrier changes.
Why choose Hollister New Image specifically:
- Established brand with 100+ years in ostomy care.
- Available in various sizes and configurations.
- Widely stocked at Vancouver pharmacies and medical supply stores.
- Well-supported by Vancouver ostomy nurses.
Component 1: The Skin Barrier
Hollister New Image Skin Barrier at Yaletown:
- Sold in packs of 5 pieces.
- Cut-to-fit or pre-cut sizes available.
- Standard flange size compatible with New Image pouches.
- Designed for extended wear (typically 3-7 days).
Skin barrier features:
- Hydrocolloid adhesive that gently sticks to skin.
- Absorbs moisture from the peristomal skin.
- Provides a flat surface for the pouch to attach.
- Creates a secure seal around the stoma.
When to change your skin barrier:
- Every 3-4 days for average wear time.
- Immediately if you notice leaking under the barrier.
- If itching, burning, or pain develops under the barrier.
- If the barrier becomes damp, wrinkled, or lifts at the edges.
- Sooner in warm weather or with heavy sweating.
How to apply the skin barrier:
- Wash hands thoroughly before starting.
- Gently remove the old skin barrier with adhesive remover.
- Clean the peristomal skin with warm water and mild soap.
- Pat dry completely — moisture prevents good adhesion.
- Measure the stoma if cut-to-fit — sizes can change during healing.
- Cut the barrier opening 1-2 mm larger than the stoma diameter.
- Warm the barrier between your hands for better adhesion.
- Center the opening over the stoma and press firmly.
- Hold in place with gentle pressure for 30-60 seconds.
Component 2: The Urostomy Pouch
Hollister New Image Urostomy Pouch at Yaletown:
- Two-piece system (57mm flange) — SKU 18913.
- Sold in packs of 10 bags.
- Drainable design with anti-reflux valve.
- Compatible with New Image skin barriers.
Urostomy pouch features:
- Anti-reflux valve — prevents urine from flowing back toward the stoma.
- Tap or spout drain — for easy emptying.
- Connector for night drainage bag — for overnight extended capacity.
- Odor-barrier film — reduces smells during wear.
- Soft backing — comfortable against skin.
When to change the pouch:
- Every 1-2 days for most users on the two-piece system.
- Immediately if the pouch becomes damaged.
- If odor develops that emptying doesn't resolve.
- Between the 3-day skin barrier changes.
How to attach the pouch:
- Ensure the skin barrier is securely in place.
- Match the pouch flange to the skin barrier flange.
- Start at the bottom and work around clockwise.
- Press each section firmly to ensure a secure seal.
- Listen for a "click" as the flange locks in place.
- Gently tug to confirm secure connection.
How to Empty the Pouch
Emptying frequency:
- When the pouch is 1/3 to 1/2 full.
- Before bed to prevent overnight pressure.
- Before any physical activity.
- Every 2-3 hours during normal daytime activity.
How to empty:
- Sit on the toilet or stand facing it.
- Position the pouch spout over the toilet.
- Open the spout by turning or flipping the valve.
- Empty completely into the toilet.
- Wipe the spout with toilet paper.
- Close the spout securely.
- Wash hands thoroughly.
Night drainage:
- Connect a larger drainage bag via the pouch connector.
- Hang the bag beside the bed below waist level.
- Empty the night bag each morning.
- Rinse the night bag with water and vinegar solution weekly.
Skin Care Around Your Stoma
Daily skin care:
- Check the skin around your stoma with each pouch change.
- Look for redness, rash, or open areas.
- Skin should look the same as skin elsewhere on your abdomen.
- Take photos monthly to track any changes.
What healthy peristomal skin looks like:
- Same color as surrounding abdominal skin.
- No redness, rash, or bumps.
- No open sores or weeping areas.
- No itching or burning.
Signs of skin problems:
- Redness spreading beyond the barrier edge.
- Rash with small bumps or pustules.
- Open sores or bleeding.
- Itching, burning, or pain.
- Skin darker than surrounding areas.
Common causes of skin problems:
- Leakage from poor barrier fit.
- Barrier changed too frequently.
- Barrier left on too long.
- Allergic reaction to product materials.
- Fungal infection from moisture.
When to see your ostomy nurse:
- Any new skin problem that doesn't resolve in 3-4 days.
- Persistent leaking despite proper technique.
- Changes in stoma color, size, or shape.
- Any bleeding from the stoma itself.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Leaking under the barrier
- Cause: Barrier not fitted properly or worn too long.
- Solution: Check the fit at each change; try shorter wear time.
Problem 2: Pouch fills too quickly
- Cause: High fluid intake or diuretic medications.
- Solution: Empty more frequently; use night drainage bag.
Problem 3: Odor during wear
- Cause: Damaged pouch, incomplete emptying, or dehydration.
- Solution: Check for pouch damage; empty completely; drink more water.
Problem 4: Skin irritation
- Cause: Adhesive sensitivity or wrong barrier fit.
- Solution: Contact your ostomy nurse for product review.
Problem 5: Pouch balloons with gas
- Cause: Poor connector seal or normal mucus discharge.
- Solution: Check connector; use pouch with filter if available.
Problem 6: Stoma changes color
- Cause: Possible circulation problem or normal healing changes.
- Solution: Contact your urologist or ostomy nurse same day.
Vancouver-Specific Considerations
Rainy season (October-May):
- 8 months of humid weather can affect skin barrier wear time.
- Extra pouch changes may be needed during wet periods.
- Keep spare supplies in a waterproof bag when out.
Summer heat:
- Sweating can reduce skin barrier wear time.
- Increase skin barrier changes during hot weather.
- Stay well-hydrated to compensate for fluid loss.
Active Vancouver lifestyle:
- Walking, hiking, and cycling all possible with urostomy.
- Swimming requires careful pouch and skin barrier check first.
- Empty pouch before physical activities.
Travel considerations:
- Cruise passengers use urostomy pouches without issues.
- TSA-friendly ostomy supply packaging exists for airline travel.
- Always carry double supplies when traveling.
Storage and Travel
At home storage:
- Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Original packaging until ready to use.
- Away from heat sources like radiators.
- Check expiration dates during monthly organization.
Travel supplies:
- Pack 2-3 times more than expected daily use.
- Split supplies between carry-on and checked luggage.
- Include adhesive remover, disposal bags, and wipes.
- Carry a written list of your specific products and sizes.
- Bring water and small clothing changes for emergencies.
Vancouver airport:
- YVR staff familiar with ostomy travel accommodations.
- Pouches don't set off metal detectors.
- Request private screening if preferred for pat-downs.
- Access to airport bathrooms every 2-3 hours in transit.
What Yaletown Stocks
Currently stocked:
- Skin Barrier Ostomy New Image Hollister — 5 pieces — $89.
- Urostomy Pouch Hollister New Image Two-Piece 10 Bags (57mm, SKU 18913) — $119.
Available at our store:
- Standard two-piece system compatibility.
- 57mm flange system.
- Pack sizes for weekly to monthly supply.
- Additional Hollister accessories available on request.
Insurance and coverage:
- BC PharmaCare covers some ostomy supplies for eligible patients.
- Extended health plans often cover ostomy supplies.
- Yaletown provides detailed itemized receipts for reimbursement.
Visit our store at 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC for supplies and expert guidance.
We are open 7 days a week, except statutory holidays.
Common Questions
Will BC PharmaCare cover my urostomy supplies?
BC PharmaCare covers ostomy supplies for eligible patients — check with your pharmacist.
Do I need a prescription to buy Hollister New Image supplies?
No — Yaletown sells ostomy supplies without a prescription requirement.
How long does a skin barrier last?
Most users get 3-4 days per skin barrier with proper application.
Can I swim with a urostomy pouch?
Yes — check pouch and barrier seals before entering the water.
How much fluid should I drink with a urostomy?
Follow your urologist's guidance — most people drink 2-3 liters daily.
Can I have sex with a urostomy?
Yes — small pouch or opaque pouch covers available for intimacy.
Do I need to see an ostomy nurse regularly?
Yes — most patients see an ostomy nurse every 6-12 months.
What if I run out of supplies unexpectedly?
Contact Yaletown or another Vancouver medical supplier for same-day pickup.
Can I use any pouch with any skin barrier?
No — only pouches and barriers with matching flange sizes work together.
How do I know if my stoma is healing normally?
Contact your urologist or ostomy nurse for any concerning changes.
Visit Yaletown Medical Supplies Today
Call (236) 466-2141 or visit 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimers
This guide is educational, not medical advice. Every urostomy is different — your ostomy nurse and urologist know your specific situation. Contact your healthcare team about pouching schedule, skin issues, or changes in output.
Written by Ozgur Alacaba, Turkish-licensed Pharmacist (2004-2026) and Owner of Yaletown Medical Supplies. Not registered with CPBC. This guide is educational, not medical advice.
Yaletown Medical Supplies | 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC | Open 7 days a week, except statutory holidays