What is a Urostomy?

A urostomy (which is one type of stoma or ostomy) is the result of an operation to divert the flow of urine from the usual route. In most cases a urostomy is formed by a section of small bowel being removed from the digestive system, and then attached to the ureters (which are the tubes leading away from the kidneys).  This section of bowel is then brought out onto the surface on the abdomen to form a urostomy.

The urine will then flow from the kidneys, along the ureters, through the section of bowel and urostomy.  As it is passed from the urostomy the urine is collected in an appliance that is worn on the abdomen, over the urostomy. These appliances are usually referred to as stoma bags.