August, 2018

Comment:

I have had a Ureterostomy for 2 1/2 years now and have noticed something I am not sure about. I use a night collection bottle and the tube that connects the collection bag to the night bottle starts to turn black after a very short time and after 3-4 months it is pretty dark. I have tried washing it in a vinegar solution but it does not change. The only solution is to replace the tube. I am wondering what this, is it dangerous, can I do any thing or is it just best to replace it? I have also noticed that at about day 4-5 the tip of the drainage spout starts to turn black.

Is there someone I can contact who may be able to give me answers?

Response:

It is recommended that you contact the equipment manufacturer for further advice on:

Basic maintenance particular to their specific equipment,

How you can prevent the blackening of the night bottles and tubing,

The potential health risks of the blackening of the equipment.

Most equipment manufacturers suggest drainage bags, bottle or tubing should be replaced when there is clouding, odour or discolouration.

The following are some useful tips and information that may be helpful:

Setting it up

There are several types of night drainage systems. Whichever type you chose, you need to set up the system before connecting it to the pouch. Here are some tips:

• The tubing and the container can come as one piece. But they can also come as two pieces. If they do, put one end of the tubing into the lid of the container. Keep connected until the container must be replaced.
• Each night, connect the other end of the tubing to your pouch. You may also need an adapter to do this. Most pouches come with such adapters.
• If you use an adapter, put it on the tubing. Keep the adapter connected until the container must be replaced.
• Replace the container when it starts to look cloudy or changes colour.

At night

The pouch should be about one-fourth full when you attach the drainage system to it at night. This will help get the urine flowing into the tubing from the pouch. To attach the system to your pouch:

• Place the night drainage container in a basin or a small trash can on the floor next to your bed. This will keep it from tipping over during the night.
• Connect the tubing to the pouch.
• Open the closure on the pouch drain. This way, urine can flow through the tubing.
• Use a leg strap to keep the tubing next to your thigh. This will help keep the tubing or pouch from twisting.

In the morning

To detach the night drainage system from the pouch each morning:

• Before detaching the tubing, return the pouch drain to the “closed” position to prevent leakage.
• Remove the lid from the night drainage container, but keep the tubing in place.
• Empty the night drainage container’s contents into the toilet.
• Rinse out the tubing and container with cool water in the bathroom sink or tub.

Cleaning the system

Clean the night drainage system every 2 to 3 days. Follow these steps:

• Set white vinegar, a measuring cup, and a funnel next to the bathroom sink or tub.
• Pour 1/4 cup vinegar through the tubing into the night drainage container.
• Pour 2 cups cool water through the tubing into the container.
• Let the tubing and container sit for at least 1 hour. Then empty the contents into the toilet.
• Rinse out the tubing and container with cool water.
• Let the tubing and container air dry.
• Replace