Find Top Doctors for Ureterostomy (urine diversion opening)

What Is Ureterostomy and When Is It Performed?

Ureterostomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon creates an opening (stoma) in the skin of the abdomen for one or both ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, so that urine can drain directly out of the body when it cannot drain normally. This new route for urine helps protect the kidneys and prevent serious complications when the bladder or urinary tract is not working properly.

In simple terms, ureterostomy makes a new pathway for urine to leave the body when the usual route through the bladder is blocked, damaged, or removed due to disease or injury. A small pouch or bag is attached over the stoma to collect the urine.

Purpose & Benefits of Ureterostomy

● Allows normal urine drainage when the bladder cannot be used.

● Helps protect the kidneys from damage that can result from back-pressure due to blocked urine flow.

● Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections related to poor bladder emptying.

● Provides a long-term solution when other treatments are not suitable.

● May help people with birth defects, bladder removal, or urinary injuries lead a more comfortable life.

Who May Need Ureterostomy?

Ureterostomy may be recommended for people who:

● Have bladder cancer or have had the bladder surgically removed.

● Have a malfunctioning bladder that cannot store or empty urine safely.

● Have obstructions or injuries in the lower urinary tract causing urine to back up to the kidneys.

● Have congenital abnormalities of the urinary system that prevent normal urine flow.

● Need temporary or permanent urinary diversion because other treatments are not possible.

Your doctor will evaluate symptoms, imaging tests, and overall health before recommending ureterostomy.

Types of Ureterostomy

Single Ureterostomy

Only one ureter is brought out through the skin to make a stoma. It is often used when only one kidney or ureter is affected.

Bilateral Ureterostomy

Both ureters (left and right) are brought separately to the abdominal surface to create two stomas.

Double-Barrel Ureterostomy

Both ureters are brought to the same side of the abdomen but exit as two separate openings very close together.

Transuretero Ureterostomy

Both ureters are connected so that one ureter drains into the other, and only one stoma is made on the abdominal wall.

Doctors will choose the best type based on the person’s condition, anatomy, and urinary needs.

Ureterostomy Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. Your surgeon reviews your medical history, scans (like ultrasound or CT), and urine tests to plan the operation.

2. You will be given general anaesthesia so you are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.

3. The surgeon makes a small opening in your abdomen and brings the ureter(s) out through the skin.

4. The end of each ureter is secured to the abdominal wall, forming a stoma where urine will exit.

5. A ureterostomy pouch or bag is fitted over the stoma to collect urine that drains constantly.

This surgery can take a few hours, and you will usually stay in the hospital for 1–3 days so your healthcare team can ensure everything is working and you are comfortable.

Recovery & Aftercare

● You will be shown how to care for the stoma and change the urine pouch.

● The skin around the stoma may become red or irritated, and doctors may recommend barrier creams or ointments to protect the skin.

● Some people need to catheterise the stoma (insert a thin tube into the opening) to help keep it open; this is usually taught by a nurse.

● You can shower or bathe after a few days, but always follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions.

● Regular follow-up visits help check that urine drains well and kidneys stay healthy.

Most patients gradually return to normal daily activities, though learning stoma care is an important part of life after surgery.

Risks & Possible Complications

Ureterostomy is generally safe, but there are risks, including:

● Infection around the stoma or urinary tract.

● Bleeding or swelling at or near the surgical site.

● Skin irritation around the stoma.

● Stoma narrowing (stenosis), which may affect urine flow.

● The procedure may not completely fix the underlying problem or may require revisions.

Your care team will talk about risks in detail before surgery and help you reduce risks with good aftercare.

Ureterostomy vs Other Urinary Diversions

● Ureterostomy vs Urostomy: Both create a way for urine to exit the body, but ureterostomy connects ureters directly to the skin, while urostomy often uses a segment of intestine to form a drainage route.

● Ureterostomy vs Neobladder: A neobladder rebuilds an internal reservoir for urine, whereas ureterostomy diverts urine outside the body into a bag.

Your surgeon can explain which method fits your health condition best.