Urostomy

Diagram showing how a urostomy is made (ileal conduit)

Urostomy is a surgical procedure in which an artificial opening, known as a stoma, is created to allow urine to exit the body from a location other than the urethra. This procedure is typically performed when the bladder is not functioning properly or needs to be removed due to disease, injury, or other medical conditions.

Overview

A urostomy is often recommended when conditions, such as bladder cancer, birth defects, or chronic inflammation of the bladder, affect the normal function or existence of the urinary bladder. The purpose of the procedure is to create an alternate route for urine to be excreted from the body.

Types of Urostomy

There are different types of urostomy procedures, including:

• Ileal Conduit Urostomy: The most common type of urostomy, where a small piece of the ileum (a part of the small intestine) is used to divert urine from the kidneys to the surface of the abdomen.
• Colon Conduit Urostomy: Utilizes a section of the colon to divert urine.

Procedure

During the procedure:

1. The surgeon identifies and isolates a small segment of the intestine.
2. The ureters, which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, are detached from the bladder and attached to the isolated section of the intestine.
3. The other end of this intestinal section is brought to the surface of the abdomen to create the stoma.
4. The stoma serves as the new exit point for urine, which is collected using a special bag attached to the skin around the stoma.

Postoperative Care

After undergoing a urostomy:

• Patients are often required to wear a urostomy bag to collect urine as it exits through the stoma.
• It's essential to keep the area around the stoma clean to prevent infections.
• Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the function of the kidneys and ensure the stoma is healing correctly.

Potential Complications

As with any surgical procedure, a urostomy carries some risks, such as:

• Infection
• Blockage of the stoma or ureters
• Stoma complications, including prolapse, retraction, or herniation
• Urinary tract infections

Living with a Urostomy

Many patients are able to lead normal lives post-urostomy. However, they may need to make certain adjustments, such as:

• Learning how to care for and change the urostomy bag
• Monitoring for signs of complications
• Engaging in physical therapy or support groups to adapt to life post-surgery

See Also

• Ostomy
• Colostomy
• Urinary System

References

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Urostomy Resources
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