Urostomy Surgery

Urostomy/Ileal conduit

Surgery to form a urostomy diverts the normal flow of urine from the kidneys and ureters into a specially created stoma. The surgeon will isolate a short piece of your small bowel (usually 12-14cm) from which a tube or spout (known as a ileal conduit) will be created. The two ureters will be plumbed into this spout which will be brought to the surface of the abdomen. Urine will continue to pass through the stoma, completely bypassing the bladder, which may or may not be removed depending on the reasons leading to the operation. The stoma output is then collected in a urostomy bag which is connected to the urostomy. A urostomy or ileal conduit is permanent, so a regular supply of urostomy bags and products is required.