Vesicostomy Care

A vesicostomy is an opening made through the lower abdomen into the bladder. It is located below the belly button. Urine freely flows from the bladder into a diaper through this opening. During surgery, a small part of the bladder wall is turned inside out and sewn to the abdomen. It looks like a small slit, surrounded by pink tissue. The vesicostomy is a temporary option and can be closed in the future.

The urinary system with a vesicostomy

Instructions for daily care: 

• Your child may take a bath or shower in plain warm water.

• Clean the skin around the vesicostomy using soap and water.

• Apply protective ointments as needed (i.e. Vaseline®, Desitin®, or A&D® ointment).

Call your urology team with questions, concerns or if your child has: 

• Signs of urinary tract infection – fever, cloudy, foul-smelling urine, irritability.

• A rash or skin breakdown around the vesicostomy.

• A diaper that is dry for more than 8 hours.

• Small amounts of urine from the vesicostomy.

• The vesicostomy opening is getting smaller.

Reviewed February 2024 by Jennifer Kirk, CRNP