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Why disturb the intestines for a urostomy?

KidneyBeen
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I find myself wondering why they do this as part of a cystectomy?

Taking some of the intestine away to form the conduit out, means interfering with that system, as well as the urinary parts. Surely with the advances in medical science, a purpose made piece of a suitable material could be introduced instead, allowing the bowel action to be left undisturbed, which should reduce the surgical trauma, and thus help recovery. Somebody before me must surely have thought about this, so must be a good reason why it's not possible I suppose? 

  • Hi KidneyBeen,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch.

     

    My name is Eileen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

     

    I can see that you have joined our Bladder Cancer Forum and ileostomy, colostomy and stoma forum. I hope that you’re finding the support these groups can provide useful.

     

    After you have surgery to remove your bladder you need another way of collecting and draining urine from the body. There are different ways of doing this but all involve using part of the intestine.

     

    The most common surgical procedure is a urostomy, also called an ileal conduit.

     

    It’s true that performing an ileal conduit involves taking part of the ileum to connect with the ureters when the bladder has had to be removed.

    The reason this part of the intestine is used is because it provides a good substitute for the bladder. In addition, as it is tissue for your own body there is no risk of rejection.

     

    I can appreciate the prospect of having this type of surgery can be daunting, but the intestine generally recovers well following removal of a section to create an ileal conduit.

     

    Medical science is constantly advancing but currently there is no purpose made material that has been developed or identified that has provided a substitute for the ileum.

     

    I hope this is helpful but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need further information or support.

    Best wishes

     

    Eileen

    Our Ref FY

    Eileen M - Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
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