Information Provided by ConvaTec®
THE HUMAN URINARY SYSTEM
The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the urinary tract. The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located just below your ribs toward the back, produce urine by filtering water and harmful waste from the blood. Urine drains from the kidneys through two small tubes called ureters into the bladder. When you are ready to urinate, the urethra releases and urine passes out of the body.
UNDERSTANDING UROSTOMY SURGERY
A urostomy, or urinary diversion, is a surgically-created opening in the abdomen that allows urine to pass directly out of the body. This new opening, called a stoma, diverts urine from a diseased portion of the urinary tract. Part of the small intestine is used to connect the ureters to the abdominal wall.
After urostomy surgery, you will no longer have voluntary control over urination. Urine will pass through your stoma, the opening on your abdomen, and empty into a pouch.
Ileal Conduit
The most common type of urinary diversion, the ileal conduit is created after the bladder has been removed. A small piece of the small intestine (ileum) is surgically removed and used as a conduit. The two ureters that carry urine from the kidneys are attached so they will empty through this new conduit. Then the other end of the ileal conduit is brought out through the abdominal wall and a stoma is created.
Ureterostomy
A ureterostomy is created when the bladder has been removed, and one or both of the ureters are redirected from the kidney through the abdominal wall. An opening is placed on the patient's side.