Ureterostomy
A ureterostomy is the creation of a stoma (a new, artificial outlet) for a ureter or kidney. The procedure is performed to divert the flow of urine away from the bladder when the bladder is not functioning or has been removed. Indications include bladder cancer, spinal cord injury, malfunction of the bladder, and birth defects such as spina bifida. Types. There are two basic types of urostomies. The first features the creation of a passage called an "ileal conduit." In this procedure, the ureters are detached from the bladder and joined to a short length of the small intestine  (ileum). The other type of urostomy is cutaneous ureterostomy. With this technique, the surgeon detaches the ureters from the bladder and brings one or both to the surface of the abdomen. The hole created in the abdomen is called a stoma, a reddish, moist abdominal protrusion. The ileal conduit is not painful; it has no sensation. The ureterostomy stoma retains sensation. Since it has no muscles to regulate urination, urine collects in a bag. There are four common types of ureterostomies: Diagnosis/preparation. Ureterostomy patients may have the following tests and procedures as part of their diagnostic work-up: The  quality, character, and usable length of the ureters is usually assessed using any of the following tests: Intravenous pyelogram (IVP). A special diagnostic test that follows the time course of excretion of a contrast dye through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder after it is injected into a vein. Retrograde pyelogram (RPG). x ray study of the kidney, focusing on the urine-collecting region of the kidney and ureters. Antegrade nephrostogram. CT scan. A special imaging technique that uses a computer to collect multiple x ray images into a two-dimensional cross-sectional image. MRI with intravenous gadolinium. A special technique  used to image internal structures of the body, particularly the soft tissues. An MRI image is often superior to a routine x ray image. The pre-surgery evaluation also includes an assessment of overall patient stability. The surgery may take from two to six hours, depending on the health of the ureters, and the experience of the surgeon. Aftercare. After surgery, the condition of the ureters is monitored by IVP testing, repeated postoperatively at six months, one year, and then yearly. Following ureterostomy, urine needs to be collected in bags. Several designs are available. One popular type features an open  bag fitted with an anti-reflux valve, which prevents the urine from flowing back toward the stoma. A urostomy bag connects to a night bag that may be attached to the bed at night. Urostomy bags are available as one- and two-piece bags: One-piece bags: The adhesive and the bag are welded together. The advantage of using a one-piece appliance is that it is easy to apply, and the bag is flexible and soft. Two-piece bags: The bag and the adhesive are two separate components. The adhesive does not need to be removed frequently from the  skin, and can remain in place for several days while the bag is changed as required. Risks. The complication rate associated with ureterostomy procedures is less than 5–10%. Risks during surgery include heart problems, pulmonary (lung) complications, development of blood clots (thrombosis), blocking of arteries (embolism), and injury to adjacent structures, such as bowel or vascular entities. Inadequate ureteral length may also be encountered, leading to ureteral kinking and subsequent obstruction. If plastic tubes need inserting, their malposition can lead to obstruction and eventual breakdown of the opening (anastomosis). Anastomotic leak is the most frequently encountered complication. Normal results for  a ureterostomy include the successful diversion of the urine pathway away from the bladder, and a tension-free, watertight opening to the abdomen that prevents urinary leakage. Morbidity and mortality rates. The outcome and prognosis for ureterostomy patients depends on a number of factors. The highest rates of complications exist for those who have pelvic cancer or a history of radiation therapy. In one study, a French medical team followed 69 patients for a minimum of one year (an average of six years) after TUU was performed. They reported one complication per four patients (6.3%), including a case requiring open  drainage, prolonged urinary leakage, and common ureteral death (necrosis). Two complications occurred three and four years after surgery. The National Cancer Institute performed TUU for pelvic malignancy in 10 patients. Mean follow-up was 6.5 years. Complications include common ureteral narrowing (one patient); subsequent kidney removal, or nephrectomy (one patient); recurrence of disease with ureteral obstruction (one patient); and disease progression in a case of inflammation of blood vessels, or vasulitis (one patient). One patient died of sepsis (infection in the bloodstream) due to urine leakage at the anastomosis, one died after a heart attack, and three died from metastasis  of their primary cancer. Alternatives. There are several alternative surgical procedures available: