Case sharing of urostomy crystals

Urate crystals are one of the most common complications of a urostomy, and also a unique complication of a urostomy, which means that bacteria decompose uric acid in alkaline urine into white powder crystals, which adhere to the stoma and on its surrounding skin. A common complication of a urostomy, but also a complication unique to patients with a urostomy. This article will share with you the treatment of crystals in the lower urinary tract and how to prevent them. Let's take a look together.

The picture below shows the urethral stoma crystallization:

Clinical manifestations:

According to the picture above, it can be seen that white powder crystals adhere to the skin around the stoma.

The following serious situations may also occur:

1. Slight bleeding of the stoma mucosa, active bleeding can be seen in severe cases.

2. Hematuria sometimes occurs.

3. Passed urine has a strong urine smell.

4. Redness, itching, hyperplasia, and uneven height of the stoma and surrounding skin.

Let's first understand how it is formed.

It is mainly due to the intake of a large amount of alkaline food, coupled with insufficient water intake, the urine is concentrated, and the concentration of uric acid increases, forming white crystals that adhere to the stoma or the skin around the stoma. This is the crystallization of the urinary tract, and it is also related to the long replacement time and untimely cleaning.

How to care for uric acid crystals?

Preparation materials: white vinegar, water, gauze.

1. Operation: Uric acid crystals can be diluted with a dilute acetic acid solution, 5% acetic acid or white vinegar and water at a volume ratio of 1:3, use gauze to wipe the precipitated uric acid crystals on the skin, avoid the enterostomy mucosa, and apply local wet compresses After about 20 minutes, wipe it off gently. If the crystals have grown to the urostomy mucosa, the mucosa can be washed with diluted acetic acid solution 2-3 times a day. Then wash with water. During the cleaning process, pay attention to gentle movements and use soft cleaning materials to avoid bleeding.

2. Treatment suggestions for uric acid crystals:

Suggestions for drinking water: If you have a urinary tract stoma, you should drink plenty of water at ordinary times, which can prevent urinary tract crystallization and urinary tract infection.

Suggestions for use of stoma products: You can use skin protective powder to apply on the skin around the stoma, which can effectively absorb excrement and reduce skin irritation. Regular use can reduce the occurrence of skin problems. It improves the skin around the stoma, reduces inflammation and irritation, helps keep the skin dry, and prevents skin irritation. This also helps prolong the life of the stoma tray.

How to prevent uric acid crystals?

1. When changing the ostomy bag daily, it is advisable to wash the local skin with a weakly acidic bath liquid.

2. Choose a urostomy bag with an anti-reflux device. The opening of the chassis should not be too large, generally 1 to 2 mm larger than the size of the stoma. Generally, the pouch should be replaced every 1-3 days. Avoid long-term accumulation of urine on the stoma root skin, pay attention to observing the chassis glue, and replace it at any time if leakage is found.

For more information on Innomed® skin protective powder, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly.

At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: February 10, 2023