Our Summary

This study looks at a new method of dealing with urine flow after the bladder has been removed due to bladder cancer. The standard procedure involves creating two openings (stomas) for the urine to exit the body, which is less preferable. This new method involves creating just one opening at the belly button (single umbilical stoma).

Researchers tested this procedure on 17 male patients with advanced bladder cancer who were not suitable for the usual methods of rerouting their urine. The patients were monitored for around two years.

The results showed that the average age of the patients was around 69 years, and the operation took about 3 hours. After the surgery, most patients experienced a slight drop in hemoglobin levels (a protein in the blood) and a slight increase in creatinine (a waste product that is filtered out by the kidneys). No patients had a lack of urine production.

One patient had to be examined for possible blockage, but none was found. Another patient developed a fever due to a lung condition. One patient had to undergo a second operation due to a tear in the connective tissue.

In conclusion, this new method seems like a good alternative for high-risk patients. It has a reasonable operation time, few surgical complications, and allows for a quicker recovery. Plus, it only requires one bag for collecting urine, instead of two.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method proposed for dealing with urine flow after bladder removal?
  2. What were the common side-effects experienced by patients following the new ureterostomy procedure?
  3. How does the new ureterostomy method benefit high-risk patients compared to the standard procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering ureterostomy that this new method of creating a single umbilical stoma may be a preferable option due to its shorter operation time, lower risk of complications, and faster recovery compared to the traditional method of creating two stomas. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are not suitable for traditional methods of rerouting their urine, such as those with advanced bladder cancer, may be recommended ureterostomy with a single umbilical stoma. This method may be considered for high-risk patients who may not tolerate the standard procedure well or who may benefit from a quicker recovery time.

Timeline

Before the ureterostomy procedure, the patient likely undergoes various tests and consultations with their healthcare team to determine the best course of action. The surgery itself typically takes around 3 hours and involves creating a single umbilical stoma for urine to exit the body. After the surgery, patients may experience a slight drop in hemoglobin levels and a slight increase in creatinine, but overall should not have any issues with urine production. Some patients may experience complications such as blockages or infections, but these are generally manageable. Overall, the new method of ureterostomy appears to be a promising alternative for high-risk patients with bladder cancer, offering a quicker recovery time and fewer complications compared to traditional methods.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the single umbilical stoma procedure for ureterostomy?
  2. How does the recovery process for this procedure compare to traditional methods of rerouting urine flow?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or adjustments after undergoing this procedure?
  4. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments to monitor my condition after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or recommendations I should follow after the surgery?
  6. How long can I expect the single umbilical stoma to remain functional before needing any additional interventions?
  7. Will I need to take any medications or supplements to support kidney function or prevent urinary tract infections after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific symptoms or signs I should watch out for that may indicate a complication with the stoma?
  9. Will I need any additional support or resources to help manage my urostomy after the surgery?
  10. What are the long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of regarding the single umbilical stoma procedure for ureterostomy?

Reference

Authors: Basiri A, Soltani MH, Shakhssalim N, Shemshaki HR, Rezvani P, Bonakdar Hashemi M. Journal: Urol J. 2021 Jul 6;18(6):646-651. doi: 10.22037/uj.v18i.5857. PMID: 34247358