What is a Urostomy?

• The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, two ureters, bladder and the urethra. The kidneys produce urine and the urine travels through the ureters (tubes) to the bladder where it is stored. The urine then leaves the body through the urethra. The creation of a urostomy is a surgical procedure in which the urine bypasses the bladder. The urine leaves the body through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma instead of leaving through the urethra. During surgery, your bladder may be left in place or it may be removed.
  
  
• To create a passageway for the urine to travel from the ureters to the stoma, a portion of the colon is used. A portion of the colon is cut and the main colon is then reconnected for normal bowel function. The ureters are detached from the bladder and attached to the portion of colon that was cut. The end of this portion of the colon is then brought to the surface of the abdomen to allow the urine to leave the body. The urine drains into a watertight pouch (bag). The bag is attached to the skin with an adhesive (substance that seals the pouch to the skin).
  
  
• A urostomy is needed when the bladder does not work properly due to certain health conditions. Some of these include bladder cancer, neurologic (brain and nerve) conditions, birth defects, and inflammation of the bladder.