What are the types of urinary reconstructions available if I need to have my bladder removed?
• An ileal conduit is the easiest and most common reconstruction performed by the urologist. A small portion of the ileum or small intestine is disconnected. One side of the piece of ileum is attached to a skin opening on the right side of the abdomen and a small stoma or mouth is created. A plastic appliance or ostomy bag is placed over the stoma to collect the urine. The ureters are sewn or re-implanted near the other end of the ileum. Because the nerves and the blood supply are preserved, the conduit is able to propel the urine into the appliance. • A continent cutaneous pouch is an internal storage “container” for urine. Using a combination of small and large intestine, the urologist reconstructs the tubular shape of the intestine and creates a sphere or pouch. This pouch is connected to the skin on the abdomen by a small stoma creating a type of continent urinary reservoir; no external bag is necessary. The patient drains the pouch periodically by inserting a catheter (a thin tube
