When people refer to a “bladder bag,” they are typically using an informal term for medical devices designed to collect urine. These devices play an important role in managing various health conditions affecting the urinary system. This article clarifies their correct medical terminology, general purpose, and common types.
Understanding the Terminology
The phrase “bladder bag” is widely understood but is not the precise medical term used by healthcare professionals. The most accurate and overarching term for these devices is a urinary drainage bag, which encompasses all bags used to collect urine. When a urinary drainage bag is connected to a urinary catheter, such as an indwelling Foley catheter, it is often specifically referred to as a catheter bag. This specifies its connection to a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. For individuals who have undergone a urostomy, a surgical procedure that reroutes urine through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma, the collecting device is known as a urostomy bag or an ostomy pouch. These specialized pouches adhere to the skin around the stoma to collect urine. A more general term sometimes used in medical settings is simply a collection bag, which can apply broadly to any device used for fluid collection.
Purpose of Urinary Collection Bags
Urinary collection bags serve several important medical purposes, providing a solution for individuals who cannot effectively store or eliminate urine naturally. One primary use is in managing urinary incontinence, particularly when other methods are insufficient to control urine leakage. These bags offer a discreet and effective way to collect urine, helping maintain hygiene and comfort. Another significant application is during post-surgical recovery, especially after procedures involving the bladder or prostate, where temporary urine drainage is necessary for healing. Monitoring urine output is an important function, as it provides healthcare providers with essential information about kidney function and hydration status, which is particularly important for individuals with certain medical conditions or those hospitalized. These devices are also used for conditions causing urinary retention, where the bladder cannot empty completely, and for specific conditions requiring urinary diversion, such as with a urostomy.
Common Types of Collection Bags
Urinary collection bags come in different designs, each suited for specific needs and lifestyles.
Leg Bags
Leg bags are smaller, body-worn devices designed for daytime use, allowing individuals to maintain mobility and discretion. These bags typically have capacities ranging from 250 milliliters to 1000 milliliters and are worn discreetly under clothing, often secured to the thigh or calf with straps. Their smaller size necessitates more frequent emptying.
Night Bags
Night bags, also known as bedside bags, are larger capacity collection devices primarily used overnight or when a person is bedridden. These bags can hold significantly more urine, commonly 2000 milliliters (2 liters), reducing the need for frequent emptying while sleeping. They are typically hung on a stand or hook near the bed, ensuring the bag remains below the bladder level to facilitate proper drainage and prevent backflow.
Urostomy Pouches
Urostomy pouches are designed for individuals with a urostomy to manage urine diverted from the bladder. These pouches, which are waterproof and odor-proof, feature skin-friendly adhesives to protect the skin around the stoma. Many include an anti-reflux valve to prevent urine from flowing back towards the stoma and are equipped with a tap or spout at the bottom for easy emptying. They can be either one-piece systems, where the skin barrier and pouch are combined, or two-piece systems, where the skin barrier and pouch are separate components that connect.