Urostomy surgery is a routine procedure that can be performed for many reasons. A common reason for urostomy surgery is to treat bladder cancer by removing the bladder or in situations where there are complications from prostate enlargement. This surgery can be done for various reasons, but it's most commonly used to relieve pressure on the bladder caused by severe injuries or diseases of the intestines and kidneys. Therefore, a surgical procedure creates an opening in your abdomen so urine can pass out of your body. This new opening becomes permanent, but unlike other types of stomas, there's no need for any additional care once the surgery has been completed.
A urostomy/ ileal conduit surgery creates a new exit route for urine through the stoma, which is then collected in a urostomy pouch, which sits externally on the abdomen. This surgical pathway through which the urine can travel without interference allows the kidneys to function at optimum efficiency. It also provides an alternate way of passing urine without having to use your hands.
A cystectomy is the removal of the bladder. A radical cystectomy means that your surgeon will also remove nearby lymph nodes, and depending on the reason for surgery, some other organs near your bladder may need to be removed after removing your bladder, reconstructing it so urine can leave your body either through a urostomy or by creating an artificial urinary sphincter.
A urostomy is required in many cases. It can be for various reasons, including cancer of the bladder, congenital disabilities such as spina bifida, which affects the urinary tract, or other conditions where there are problems controlling urine flow. The reason for having a urostomy should be discussed with your healthcare professional before the surgery takes place.
A urostomy is created when there are urinary problems that can't be fixed with other surgeries. With this surgery, the bladder is cut off from the rest of the body so that urine can drain out through a stoma on your stomach. What type of urostomy you have depends on different factors, such as your diagnosis and lifestyle needs.
An ileal conduit is the most common type of urostomy. A section of your ileum (the lowest part of your small intestine) is surgically connected to a stoma so that urine can drain into a bag attached to you via a catheter.
Another type of urostomy is the continent urinary diversion, a type of urostomy that involves surgically creating an opening to your large intestine called the stoma. The urine is then drained into a pouch through a catheter which can be removed at any time or attached for longer periods. When you want to pass urine, you insert special balloon-like appliances called sphincter muscles around the stoma at a time that suits you, which can be done up to eight times a day.
One of the most challenging things for patients to adjust to following urostomy surgery is the lifestyle change. Urostomy surgery, also known as a stoma, can be a life-changing event. It is important that you are prepared for all aspects of recovery before going under the knife to give you the best chance of having a smooth and successful recovery. Urostomy surgery is a significant operation, and there could be many changes to your lifestyle afterward, so your surgeon will probably suggest that you book time off work during your recovery period.
