Ureterostomy

Ureterostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma (a new, artificial outlet) for a ureter or kidney. It is performed when a patient's bladder is not functioning properly, or has to be removed due to disease, such as bladder cancer.

Procedure

The procedure involves the surgeon making an incision in the patient's abdomen and isolating the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The surgeon then brings one end of the ureter to the surface of the abdomen, creating a stoma. Urine then drains from the kidney through the ureter and out the stoma into a bag that the patient wears on the outside of their body. This type of ureterostomy is also known as a cutaneous ureterostomy.

Types of Ureterostomy

There are two main types of ureterostomy: cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal conduit. In a cutaneous ureterostomy, the ureter is connected directly to the skin surface. In an ileal conduit, a piece of the small intestine, known as the ileum, is used to create a conduit, or passageway, for urine to pass from the ureters to the outside of the body.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a ureterostomy. These can include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also the risk of stoma complications, such as stenosis (narrowing), prolapse (protrusion), and parastomal hernia. Long-term complications can include kidney infections and kidney stones.

Aftercare

After a ureterostomy, patients will need to learn how to care for their stoma and how to change their urine collection bag. They will also need regular follow-up care to monitor their kidney function and to check for any complications.

See Also

• Urostomy
• Nephrostomy
• Cystectomy
• Urinary diversion