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Urostomy
A urostomy is an opening in the abdomen created by a surgical procedure (a radical cystectomy) that allows urine to flow to the outside of the body where it can be collected into a bag. It is done when the bladder is either not functioning or has to be removed.
Common reasons for a urostomy include having bladder cancer, a spinal cord injury, or a birth defect such as spina bifida.
Urostomy: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as red streaks or pus around your stoma.
- Little or no urine is leaving your body.
- Your stoma turns pale or dark purple.
- Your stoma swells or bleeds.
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. For example:
- You have blood or pus in your urine.
- You have pain in your back just below your rib cage. This is called flank pain.
- You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
- You have groin or belly pain.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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