Urostomy Overview

A urostomy allows urine to pass out of the body through a stoma (small hole) in the abdomen. A tube is connected from the urinary system to the stoma. Urine passes through the tube into an external pouch. Sometimes, an internal pouch, or neobladder, can be created.

Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

Your appointments before the surgery may include:

• Getting a physical exam, including a medical history
• Talking to your doctor about any allergies you have and medicines you are taking
• Talking to your doctor about the urostomy tube and practicing with a sample pouch to determine the best place for a stoma

You may also need to:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin )
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
• Take laxatives and antibiotics before the procedure.
• Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.
• The night before, do not eat anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain. It will keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the abdomen. This will expose the bladder area. The doctor will attach a tube to part of the urinary tract. The other end of the tube will be attached to an external pouch or a pouch in the abdomen. The doctor will close the incisions. Depending on the cause of the urinary system problem, other procedures may need to be done.

Immediately After Procedure

Your breathing tube will be removed. You will be taken to the recovery room.

How Long Will It Take?

About 2-5 hours (depending on your condition)

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during the surgery. During recovery, your doctor will give you pain medicine.

Average Hospital Stay

You will be in the hospital for about 5-12 days. This will depend on your condition and the reason for surgery. Your doctor may keep you in the hospital longer if you have any complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

At the hospital, you will:

• Walk as soon as you are able to help prevent blood clots.
• Receive fluids intravenously (through a vein in your arm) until you are able to eat and drink.
• Learn how to change the urine pouch and dispose of urine.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• To avoid infection, care for your stoma as directed.
• Change your pouch on a regular schedule.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and sexual activity until you have fully recovered.
• Do not drive until your doctor says that it is safe to do so.
• Shower and bathe as instructed by your doctor.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/

United Ostomy Association of America
http://www.uoaa.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/

Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org/

References:

Kellicker P. Discharge instructions for cystectomy. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated October 1, 2009. Accessed February 10, 2010.

Kohnle D. Cystectomy. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated November 1, 2009. Accessed February 10, 2010.

United Ostomy Associations of America website. Available at: http://www.uoaa.org/ . Accessed February 10, 2010.

Urostomy a guide. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI26x_Urostomy.asp . Accessed February 10, 2010.