Learning About Flushing Your Neobladder

A neobladder is a “new bladder” that your doctor has made from a part of your intestines to hold urine. It’s done when your own bladder has been removed. Mucus may collect in your new bladder, so now and then it needs to be flushed out. Here's how.

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What is a neobladder?

A neobladder is a “new bladder” that your doctor has made from a part of your intestines to hold urine. It’s done when your own bladder has been removed. Urine from your kidneys drains into it.

Mucus may collect in your new bladder, so now and then it needs to be flushed out. Your doctor gave you instructions on how and when to do this.

What supplies do you need to flush your neobladder?

Gather these supplies before you get started:

  • 1 bottle of normal saline solution (NSS)
  • 1 catheter tip syringe – 60 ml
  • 1 irrigation kit
  • 1 clamp
  • 2 alcohol sponges
  • A plastic container or cup

How do you flush your neobladder?

Follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them completely.
  2. Pour at least 60 ml of normal saline solution (NSS) into your container or cup.
  3. Remove the cap from the syringe and fill it with NSS. This should be about 60 ml.
  4. Clamp your urinary catheter tube just above the y-site connection, as your nurse taught you. Put a clean towel or washcloth under the site.
  5. Using an alcohol sponge, wipe the connection between your urinary catheter and the drainage bag.
  6. Disconnect the drainage bag from the urinary catheter.
  7. Put the syringe into the urinary catheter. Release the clamp.
  8. Using the syringe, gently push the NSS into your urinary catheter.
  9. When all the NSS is in the neobladder, pull back gently on the syringe plunger. The NSS you take out should have mucus mixed with it. Empty it into the irrigation tray. Note: If you can’t pull back on the syringe after flushing, or if it’s hard to do, don’t force it. Reconnect your catheter to the drainage bag and see if changing your position helps it drain naturally without using the syringe. Walking might help too. Then start from step 6 again.
  10. Re-clamp your urinary catheter.
  11. Repeat steps 2 through 10 until the solution that comes out is clear. Be sure to use clean NSS every time you flush.
  12. When you’re done, wipe the tip of the drainage bag with an alcohol sponge and reconnect the bag to the urinary catheter. Then unclamp the catheter.
  13. Pour the solution you flushed with, along with any remaining saline solution, into the toilet to get rid of it.
  14. Clean your supplies with soap and water, and let them air-dry on a clean towel. Wash your hands with soap and water.

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