From the Guidelines
A urostomy tube is a medical device used to divert urine from the bladder to outside the body when normal urination is not possible, typically created during a surgical procedure called a urostomy. It's a type of catheter used for temporary or permanent decompression of the urinary tract due to intrinsic or extrinsic malignant obstructions, such as cervical or colorectal cancers 1. The procedure involves creating an artificial opening (stoma) on the abdomen, where urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters into a small piece of intestine that's been surgically repositioned, then exits through this stoma into a collection bag worn on the outside of the body.
Some key points to consider about urostomy tubes include:
- They are used to divert urine from the bladder to outside the body when normal urination is not possible
- The procedure is commonly performed when the bladder must be removed due to cancer, or when it's damaged by radiation, inflammatory conditions, or congenital abnormalities
- Patients with urostomy tubes need to empty their collection bags regularly, change the appliance every few days, and monitor for complications like skin irritation, urinary tract infections, or stoma problems
- Proper care includes keeping the area clean, ensuring a proper seal to prevent leakage, and maintaining adequate fluid intake to prevent urinary complications
It's worth noting that urostomy tubes can be readily colonized and infected by lower urinary tract pathogens, including Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Stenotrophomonas, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus spp. 1. Therefore, periodically reassessing the need for these devices and removing them when possible is crucial to prevent infections. Additionally, the use of preprocedural antimicrobials and postprocedural preventive strategies, such as maintaining a clean exit site area and regular dressing exchange, can help decrease the rate of infection 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of a Urostomy Tube
- A urostomy tube is not directly defined in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that a urostomy is a type of surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen for urine to exit the body 2, 3.
- The purpose of a urostomy tube is to divert urine from the bladder or ureters to an external collection device, allowing for the management of urinary incontinence or obstruction 2, 3.
Types of Urostomy Procedures
- There are different types of urostomy procedures, including cutaneous ureterostomy, vesicostomy, ileal conduit, and ileovesicostomy 2.
- These procedures involve creating a stoma, or opening, in the abdomen to allow urine to exit the body, and may involve the use of a catheter or other collection device 2, 3.