Urolithiasis following formation of a continent urostomy: case report and review of the literature

Caring for a patient with a urostomy in a community setting

Around 7500 people in the UK have a urostomy. A urostomy is normally performed if a person has bladder cancer, congenital bladder abnormalities. Many people who have a urostomy have long term conditions and may require the help and support of community nurses. This article examines common complications of urostomy including stomal complications, urinary tract infections and dermal complications. Although stoma complications are common and can affect quality of life, many people with a stoma tend not to seek help. Community nurses can provide care and support to optimize stoma management and enable the person with a urostomy to enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Laparoscopic management of urolithiasis in a continent urostomy

BACKGROUND

Urinary calculi formation is an infrequent but challenging late complication of continent urostomy. Percutaneous endoscopic management of two patients with symptomatic pouch urolithiasis is described.

CASES

A 48-year-old woman with a history of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with primary chemoradiotherapy presented with recurrent pain and urinary tract infections (pouchitis). She had undergone continent urostomy 4 years previously for management of a vesicovaginal fistula. A 59-year-old woman following exenteration with continent diversion for recurrent cervix SCC had a 6-month history of refractory pouchitis. In both women, multiple pouch urinary calculi were identified. Their continent reservoirs were, in part, created using titanium staplers. Percutaneous CO(2) endoscopy afforded identification and removal of their stones and staples without complication.

CONCLUSION

Successful treatment of continent urostomy urolithiasis is accomplished by percutaneous endoscopy.