Urine surgery, more accurately described as urinary diversion surgery, is a procedure where the flow of urine is redirected. This is done when the normal pathway for urine, from the kidneys to the bladder, is blocked, damaged, or needs to be bypassed. Instead of going into the bladder, the urine is rerouted to an opening on the outside of the body, where it is then collected in a bag.
Here's a more detailed look:
Understanding Urinary Diversion
Instead of using the phrase "urine surgery," medical professionals use the term "urinary diversion." This helps us understand that the focus is on redirecting the urinary flow. As the reference clarifies:
Urinary diversion is a procedure where the tubes that lead from your kidneys to your bladder (ureters) are redirected to the outside of your body. The urine is then collected in a bag, without it flowing into your bladder.
Why is Urinary Diversion Needed?
This procedure is necessary in various situations, including:
- Bladder cancer: When the bladder has to be removed (cystectomy), a new way to collect and eliminate urine is required.
- Birth defects: Some babies are born with conditions where the bladder or urinary tract is malformed, making normal urination impossible.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt the nerves controlling the bladder, leading to urinary retention or incontinence.
- Other medical issues: Severe urinary tract infections, injuries, or other diseases affecting bladder function can necessitate diversion.
Types of Urinary Diversion
There are different ways to perform urinary diversion, each with its own process:
- Ileal Conduit: The most common method involves using a short segment of the small intestine (ileum) to create a new pathway for urine. The ureters are connected to this intestinal segment, which leads to a stoma (opening) on the abdomen.
- Continent Cutaneous Diversion (Indiana pouch): A pouch is made from a part of the intestine, and urine is stored in this internal pouch. Patients then need to insert a catheter into the pouch through a stoma to empty it periodically.
- Orthotopic Neobladder: This complex procedure uses the intestinal tissue to create a new "bladder" that is connected to the urethra. This allows the patient to urinate in a more natural way. However, it may not be an option for all patients.
What Happens After Urinary Diversion?
After the procedure, patients need to adapt to the new method of urine drainage:
- Stoma care: If a stoma is created, regular care is essential to prevent infections and skin irritation.
- Emptying the bag: If urine is collected in a bag, it needs to be emptied regularly.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups are vital to monitor kidney function and overall health.
Key Points to Remember
- Urinary diversion surgery redirects the flow of urine when the normal pathway is not functional.
- It's essential for managing conditions like bladder cancer, birth defects, and spinal cord injuries affecting urination.
- There are various types of urinary diversion, each with different procedures and recovery needs.
- Patients need to learn new ways of managing urine drainage and follow a tailored care plan.
