Urostomy

A urostomy (urinary diversion) is one of a number of surgical procedures which divert urine away from a diseased or defective bladder. Cancer, birth defects, spinal cord injury and interstitial cystitis are the most common diseases that lead to urostomies
These operations bring urine to the outside of the body through an opening on the abdominal wall. This opening is called a stoma. The stoma is actually the lining of the intestine, which is similar to the lining of your mouth and is pink and moist.
There is no voluntary control of the urine therefore a collection device (pouch) is necessary for management. The function of the kidneys is not changed by the urostomy.
The urostomy pouch is usually emptied when 1/3rd full. Generally trips to the bathroom are not increased by the presence of a urostomy. The pouch should be connected to a larger collection container at night to insure a good night sleep and reduce the time urine stays in the pouch. This reduces the potential for urinary tract infections.