Urostomy

Overview

A urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new pathway for urine to leave the body when the bladder can no longer do this naturally. This is done by redirecting urine through an opening (called a stoma) on the abdomen, where it is collected in a urostomy bag. This can be necessary due to bladder cancer, severe bladder damage, birth defects or other conditions. The most common type of urinary ostomy is an ileal conduit, where a small piece of the intestine is used to carry urine from the ureters to the stoma. This surgery gives patients a way to manage urine flow and live a more comfortable, healthier life.

Why Urostomy is Required?

When the bladder is removed due to bladder cancer or other severe diseases.

If the bladder function is lost due to trauma, neurological issues or chronic infections.

In cases of birth defects such as spina bifida that affect the urinary system.

For individuals with irreparable damage to the urinary tract from injury or radiation therapy.

To relieve severe urinary blockage that cannot be treated by other means.

When other urinary diversion methods such as nephrostomy are not suitable or effective.

Key Advantages of Urostomy Treatment

Restores the ability to remove urine from the body after bladder removal.

Helps prevent kidney damage caused by urine buildup.

Enables better control of urinary issues when the bladder is no longer functional.

Provides a permanent solution in many chronic or irreversible bladder conditions.

Allows normal physical activity and improves overall quality of life with proper care.

Modern urostomy bags and urostomy tubes are discreet, secure and easy to manage.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Urostomy Treatment

Consult your urologist or surgeon to understand the best type of urinary diversion for you for example urostomy vs nephrostomy, ureterostomy.

Share your full medical history and current medications.

Stop any blood-thinning medications if instructed by your doctor.

Undergo blood tests and imaging (like CT scans or ultrasounds) to check kidney function and anatomy.

Arrange for time off work and home care support during your recovery.

Meet with a stoma care nurse to understand the location and care of the urostomy stoma.

How Urostomy Treatment is Performed?

The surgery is done under general anesthesia.

A small part of the small intestine (ileum) is used to create a channel (ileal conduit).

The ureters are detached from the bladder and connected to this conduit.

One end of the conduit is brought out through the abdominal wall to form a stoma.

A urostomy bag is then placed over the stoma to collect urine.

The bladder may be removed if it’s part of the treatment plan.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before Procedure:

Preoperative testing and discussions with your surgical team.

Bowel preparation may be required.

Fasting for a few hours before surgery.

Stoma site marked on your abdomen by a specialist.

2. During Procedure:

Procedure lasts a few hours under anesthesia.

The urinary diversion is created, and the stoma is positioned.

A urostomy tube or stent may be placed temporarily.

3. After Procedure:

Hospital stay for about 5 to 7 days.

Pain control and IV fluids provided.

Stoma will begin to drain urine within a few days.

Training on how to change the urine bag and care for the stoma.

Regular follow-ups for monitoring kidney function and stoma health.

Risk and Potential Complications

Infection at the surgical site or urinary tract.

Stoma blockage or narrowing.

Urine leakage around the stoma or from the conduit.

Kidney infections if urine backs up.

Skin irritation from urostomy bag adhesives.

Bleeding during or after the surgery.

Bowel problems such as slowed movement or obstruction.

Risk of hernia around the stoma.

Results/Outcomes

Most people adapt well to life with a urostomy and return to normal routines.

With proper care, the stoma remains healthy and manageable.

Urine flow becomes steady and continuous into the bladder bag.

Patients report improved comfort, especially after dealing with painful or dangerous bladder conditions.

Lifelong stoma care is needed, but support is available through specialized nurses and support groups.