Question Urostomy Help

[blackhawke001]

I have had a Urostomy fitted and would like to know from other similar divers if , when diving in a wet suit do you leave the drain open or closed.
Apologies for the post but it’s a must so I can continue my diving.

 

[Akimbo]

Are you thinking of taking the tubing off the collection bag and connecting it to a drysuit pee valve? Collection bags of any type are problematic, between drysuit squeeze and gas permeating the bag and expanding on ascent.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

I have had a Urostomy fitted and would like to know from other similar divers if , when diving in a wet suit do you leave the drain open or closed.
Apologies for the post but it’s a must so I can continue my diving.

Sorry, very late to the conversation here... First, no apology necessary! If the drain valve was open, I would be concerned about water ingress into the stoma, which could lead to infection. Also, if the stoma is fresh, you'll want to ensure that the surgical site is fully healed before diving and clear it with your surgeon.

Depending on how much urine you're making, you may be able to use a smaller ostomy bag. They also make ostomy wraps to keep the wafer and bag secure against your body.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[pat27diver]

Sorry, very late to the conversation here... First, no apology necessary! If the drain valve was open, I would be concerned about water ingress into the stoma, which could lead to infection. Also, if the stoma is fresh, you'll want to ensure that the surgical site is fully healed before diving and clear it with your surgeon.

Depending on how much urine you're making, you may be able to use a smaller ostomy bag. They also make ostomy wraps to keep the wafer and bag secure against your body.

Best regards,
DDM

My surgeon told me if the stoma has healed completely, there is no risk of infection. Infection only occurs when there is an open wound. Leaving the valve open on a fully healed stoma is perfectly fine.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

My surgeon told me if the stoma has healed completely, there is no risk of infection. Infection only occurs when there is an open wound. Leaving the valve open on a fully healed stoma is perfectly fine.

I think it would depend on the exact system the individual has. If there's air anywhere in the system, in theory that air could expand on ascent and lead to reflux of urine (or salt water if there's been a leak) into a pouch or other internal structure. If your surgeon is aware of the physics of diving and has said that to you, then I would defer to him/her.

Best regards,
DDM