Urostomy and urinary pH

Significant variations of urinary pH can cause problems for all human beings, but these problems are magnified when an individual has a urostomy. Most significant stomal and peristomal complications are related to an alkaline urine including hyperkeratosis; stoma bleeding, incrustation, and ulceration; stoma stenosis; urinary tract infection; odor; and urinary calculi. Treatment of these conditions includes both external and internal measures. External methods of treatment involve keeping urine away from the stoma and the peristomal skin by use of a correctly fitting clean appliance and a night drainage system. Vinegar solution compresses can help to restore the acid mantle of the skin. Internal methods of treatment that are advocated in the literature include ingestion of cranberry juice and ascorbic acid to promote urine acidity. Increasing oral intake of fluids is the least risky method to promote the production of acidic, dilute urine, and results are equally effective.