What is Urostomy?
A surgery, in which an opening is created in the abdominal wall, permanently is called Urostomy. A stoma is a surgically created hole that allows waste to pass out of the body without passing the bladder. Waste is collected outside of the body in a pouch called, ostomy bag.
What does a bladder mean?
An organ that is located in the lower abdomen and stores urine temporarily before passing it out. It is a balloon-shaped organ. The muscles in the bladder control the passage of urine outside the body through a tube called the urethra.
Why a Urostomy is needed?
The patients who suffered from bladder cancer may have a defective bladder or maybe their bladder has been removed surgically, this process is called cystectomy. For these kinds of patients, a urostomy is needed to pass out the urine. Most women with cervical or uterine cancer need a urostomy.
People with injured or birth defected bladder may also need a urostomy. Urostomy surgery is permanent and it has no way back.
Main Types:
Urostomy is of two types:
Standard or conventional urostomy: In this procedure, a piece of the small intestine is used to connect the ureter and the stoma made in the abdomen. This new passage is introduced for urine to pass out. Then the urine is collected in the pouch that is placed over the stoma, outside the body.
Continent urostomy: There is not a big difference between a continent and a standard urostomy. During continent urostomy, a surgeon creates a pouch inside the belly. This pouch is covered with valves on both of its sides. And prevent the urine flow back or leakage into the abdomen. A person needs to put a catheter into the stoma so that the urine could pass outside the body. The type of continent urostomy depends on the pouch.
What happens during surgery?
Right before surgery, you will be given anesthesia. A small hole is made in the lower abdomen, and then a 6-8 inch piece of the small intestine is removed by the surgeon. Then he connects the large and small intestine. The piece that was removed from the small intestine is used to connect the stoma and ureter tubes. It usually takes 3 to 5 hours for this surgery.
Following risk factors are included in this surgery:
Issues with anesthesia
Any kind of infection
Blood loss or blood clotting
Harm to any other nearby organ
Functional changes in bowel
Recovery time:
Most of the patients need to live in the hospital for 7 days, following the procedure. You will have to be diet conscious, not allowed to eat solid foods, and all the nutrients will be fed through a vein.
You should avoid lifting any load or any hard physical activity.
How to take care of Urostomy?
Emptying ostomy bag: Right after you get recovered from surgery, there is a need to empty your bag many times a day. It is recommended to empty it when it less than half-filled. An estimated time is 2 to 3 hours.
Colostomy bags have two main types:
A single-piece pouch adheres to the skin barrier directly.
Double-piece pouches, having a separate skin barrier and bag that can be removed from the body.
Skin Care:
The most important fact is that you must ensure that your pouch is linked with stoma properly. It might bring discomfort to the skin if not attached properly. This area needs to be neat and clean, it must be dried completely. There are chances to get an infection, so if you feel any changes in the stoma, please see your doctor immediately.
Using Catheter: In case of consistent urostomy; you need to drain urine with help of a catheter, many times a day. This should be done timely otherwise it will cause infection.
Major Concerns:
Maintaining urine pH balance: It is crucial to maintain the pH of the urine acidic. Acidic urine is helpful to avoid any kind of bacteria that may cause infection. pH can be maintained by taking a lot of fluids and water. Alkaline urine can increase the risk of crystal formation at the stoma. These crystals can cause itching and discomfort. These can be treated with the help of applying vinegar to the stoma. Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar and apply it to the stoma by using a clean towel.
Urinary tract infection:
If the bacteria attack urostomy, ureters, or kidneys, it can cause infection. It is very important to wash your hand before and after touching the ostomy bag. Empty your pouch on time, every 2 to 3 hours. If you feel pain in the kidney, urine with a strong odor, you should look at your doctor immediately.
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