Normally, urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, where it remains until it is passed out of the body via the urethra. Illness or injury may necessitate urinary diversion surgery, which creates a way for urine to bypass the bladder and, usually, the urethra. A person needing this procedure often faces choices as to how urine will leave his body in the future. The urinary surgeon is the best resource for details specific to an individual's options, but several other resources also provide basic information.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a government website that provides basic information about urostomies and continent urinary diversion. The site explains some of the reasons for urinary diversion surgery and basic details regarding the types of urostomy and continent diversion procedures. It describes the basic care needed while wearing a pouch or using a catheter and lists the symptoms of infection. A variety of other post-surgical information is provided.
Encylopedia of Surgery
The online Encylopedia of Surgery website provides detailed information about ileal conduit surgery. It outlines the differences between continent diversion surgery and conduit diversion surgery, and the history of urinary diversion surgery. It also provides details about the actual ileal conduit surgical procedure. Surgical and post-surgical risks are discussed as well as what to expect after surgery.
Washington University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine's Division of Urologic Surgery provides online information about urinary diversion. It gives the reader a primer on normal urology, followed by a detailed definition of urinary diversion. The site then relates the advantages of continent and non-continent urinary diversion. Details of medical problems that can occur after surgery are also provided.
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic provides an online resource for individuals seeking information about urinary reconstruction and diversion. The site discusses normal urinary tract anatomy and details about the following types of surgery: ileal conduit urinary diversion procedure, the Indiana pouch reservoir procedure and the new bladder to urethra diversion procedure. Diagrams outline the differences between the procedures and a detailed list of advantages and disadvantages for each procedure is given. The site details what to expect after surgery and addresses questions about limitations after surgery.
American Urological Association Foundation
The American Urological Association Foundation provides a variety of resources for individuals with urinary problems. They maintain the National Urology Health Hotline at 800-828-7866 and a website that provides extensive urologic health information including data about bladder cancer. The site also explains how to find a urologist.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urostomy and Continent Urinary Diversion
- Encylopedia of Surgery: Ileal Conduit Surgery
- Washington University School of Medicine: Division of Urologic Surgery: Urinary Diversion
- Cleveland Clinic: Urinary Reconstruction and Diversion
- American Urological Association Foundation
