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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.

Last Revised: May 2, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology

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