Treatment

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?

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.