Ileal Conduit: Surgery, Stoma Care and Daily Life 

September 17, 2026

An ileal conduit is a type of urinary diversion commonly created after bladder removal surgery. A surgeon uses a short section of the small intestine, called the ileum, to create a pathway for urine to leave the body through an opening called a stoma. Urine drains continuously into an external urostomy pouch worn over the stoma. 

An ileal conduit does not store urine. Instead, urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters, into the ileal conduit and out through the stoma. The pouch collects the urine and can be emptied throughout the day. 

How does an ileal conduit work?

An ileal conduit provides a new way for urine to leave the body after the bladder has been removed. Urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters into the ileal conduit. It then flows through the stoma into a urostomy pouch worn outside the body. 

The ileal conduit does not store urine, so urine drains continuously into the pouch. 

Video: How an ileal conduit works

This short video explains how an ileal conduit allows urine to leave the body after bladder removal surgery.

How is an ileal conduit created? 

During ileal conduit surgery, the surgeon uses a short section of the ileum, which is part of the small intestine, to create the urinary diversion. 

1. The surgeon removes a short section of the ileum and reconnects the remaining intestine. 

2. The ureters are attached to the isolated section of ileum. 

3. One end of the ileal conduit is brought through an opening in the abdomen to create a stoma. 

4. Urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters and ileal conduit and exits through the stoma. 

5. A urostomy pouch worn over the stoma collects the urine. 

What is a urostomy pouch? 

A urostomy pouch is the external appliance that collects urine from the stoma. It typically includes a skin barrier, sometimes called a wafer, that adheres to the skin around the stoma and a pouch that collects urine. A valve at the bottom allows the pouch to be emptied. 

How should I prepare for ileal conduit surgery? 

A portion of your intestines will be used to create the urinary diversion. Your health care team will give you instructions to prepare for cystectomy and urinary diversion surgery. Ask your doctor about: Medication or herbal supplements you should avoid or stop taking. 

• When to stop eating or drinking before surgery.  
• Any other preparation required before your procedure. 

Meet with an ostomy nurse before surgery 

An ostomy nurse, often called a wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse, can help you prepare for living with an ileal conduit. Before surgery, the nurse may: 

• Help you decide on the best location for your stoma.  

• Discuss how the stoma may affect clothing and everyday activities. 

• Show you how a urostomy pouch works. 

• Explain how to change the pouch and care for the skin around your stoma. 

• Introduce you to different ostomy supplies. 

What is it like to live with an ileal conduit?

Living with an ileal conduit requires learning how to empty and change your urostomy pouch and care for the skin around your stoma. With practice, these tasks can become part of your regular routine. Many people return to their usual activities after recovering from surgery. 

Caring for your stoma and urostomy pouch 

• Make sure the pouch and skin barrier fit securely around your stoma. 

• Empty the pouch regularly. 

• Follow your ostomy nurse’s instructions for changing the pouch. 

• Contact your ostomy nurse if you develop persistent leakage or skin irritation. 

• Keep extra ostomy supplies available at home, work and while traveling. 

Clothing and everyday activities 

Make sure your clothing is comfortable. After you heal, most people are able to wear the same clothing they wore before. 

What problems should I watch for with an ileal conduit? 

Urinary tract infections 

People with an ileal conduit can develop a urinary tract infection (UTI). Contact your healthcare team if you notice symptoms that may indicate an infection. 

Skin irritation and pouch leakage 

Persistent leaks or irritated skin around the stoma can be signs that the appliance does not fit correctly. Contact your ostomy nurse for help adjusting the fit or selecting appropriate supplies. 

Changes around the stoma 

Once your stoma heals, if you notice bulging that is uncomfortable or makes it difficult to secure your ostomy appliance, speak to your urologists. 

Frequently asked questions about ileal conduits 

Does an ileal conduit store urine? 

No. An ileal conduit provides a pathway for urine to leave the body. Urine continuously drains through the stoma into a urostomy pouch worn outside the body. 

Is an ileal conduit the same as a urostomy? 

An ileal conduit is a type of urinary diversion that results in a urostomy. The ileal conduit carries urine to the stoma, while the urostomy pouch worn over the stoma collects the urine. 

Do you have to wear a bag with an ileal conduit? 

Yes. Because an ileal conduit does not store urine, an external urostomy pouch is worn over the stoma to continuously collect urine. 

Can you live a normal life with an ileal conduit? 

Many people return to their usual activities after recovering from surgery. Living with an ileal conduit requires routine stoma and pouch care, but these tasks often become part of everyday life with practice and support. 

Why is the ileum used for an ileal conduit? 

A short segment of the ileum, part of the small intestine, is used to create a passage that carries urine from the ureters to the stoma. The remaining intestine is reconnected so it can continue its digestive function. 

Ileal conduit videos and resources

These videos and webinars offer practical guidance for caring for an ileal conduit and urostomy pouch.

Care and keeping of an ileal conduit

Ostomy nurse Jocelyn Goffney, CWOCN, joins BCAN patient advocates Darrell Nakagawa and Anne Marie Theriault to discuss ileal conduit care, common concerns and practical tips for daily life. Watch the ileal conduit care webinar

How to change an ileal conduit pouch with a visual impairment 

In this step-by-step video, an ostomy nurse demonstrates how to change an ileal conduit pouch using techniques designed for people with visual impairments. The instructions may also be helpful for caregivers.

Living with an Ileal Conduit: Vicki’s Story

Listen to a candid conversation with bladder cancer patient Vicki S. about adjusting to and living with an ileal conduit.