While ‘ileal conduit’ and ‘urostomy’ are often used interchangeably, understanding their precise relationship is important. This article explains their connection and provides essential information on this urinary diversion.
Understanding Urostomies
A urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new pathway for urine to exit the body. This becomes necessary when the bladder can no longer function properly or has been removed. It reroutes the flow of urine from the kidneys to an opening on the abdominal wall called a stoma. This procedure is a type of urinary diversion, which is a broader category of surgeries designed to bypass or reconstruct the urinary tract.
The Ileal Conduit Explained
An ileal conduit is the most common type of urostomy and is sometimes referred to as a Bricker ileal conduit or ileal loop conduit. In this procedure, a segment of the small intestine, specifically the ileum, is isolated from the digestive tract. The ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys, are then surgically connected to one end of this isolated ileal segment. The other end of the ileal segment is brought through an opening created in the abdominal wall, forming the stoma.
Urine flows continuously from the kidneys, through the ureters, into this intestinal conduit, and then out through the stoma. The ileal conduit itself does not store urine; it simply acts as a channel for continuous drainage.
Reasons for Urinary Diversion
A person might need a urinary diversion, such as a urostomy, for several medical reasons. The most frequent cause is bladder cancer, which often necessitates bladder removal. Other conditions that can lead to the need for a urostomy include severe bladder dysfunction or damage. Birth defects affecting the urinary tract, chronic inflammatory conditions, or trauma to the bladder can also make this surgery necessary. In all these situations, a urinary diversion ensures that urine can safely leave the body, preventing complications like urine backup into the kidneys.
Life with a Urostomy
Living with a urostomy involves adapting to the presence of an external collection pouch worn over the stoma. This pouch adheres to the skin around the stoma and continuously collects urine as it drains. Individuals learn to manage their urostomy by regularly emptying the pouch and changing the entire system.
The stoma itself is red and moist, similar to the inside of the mouth, and has no nerve endings, so touching it or the passage of urine is not painful. With proper care and hygiene, individuals can maintain an active lifestyle, including engaging in physical activities and travel. This adaptation allows many to return to their previous routines after surgery.