An Improved Urinary Ileostomy Appliance

Abstract

The use of an isolated segment of ileum as a means of urinary diversion is becoming more widespread. Such loops are utilized as the diversionary method of choice in many instances of neurogenic bladder, exstrophy of the bladder, and carcinoma of the bladder, as well as other pelvic malignancies. When ileal loop urinary diversion is employed, some form of urinary collecting device becomes mandatory. Once recovered from surgery, the patient with a urinary ileostomy finds that the major problems faced are those associated with the urine-collecting appliance. A number of such appliances are available in a variety of designs, and these standard appliances are usually satisfactory; however, all of the currently available appliances share 2 major disadvantages for the ambulatory patient: (1) The weight of urine accumulating in the bag tends to dislodge the apparatus, often at inopportune moments, creating embarrassment as well as the necessity of immediate reapplication.