bladder deversion?

[Katrina]

A member of my support group is currently considering this option with her doctor...basically urine will be redirected so that her bladder remains but doesn't hold urine anymore.

What does anyone here know about this option??

[~*~Christine~*~]

I talked to two urologists about this and neither of them reccomend it.
If the bladder still remains intact the pain/feeling of uregency may not decrease

I've known one girl, who has mild IC, who had this done but not due to the IC, but because she has Multiple Sclerosis, and the diversion did not help with her IC symptoms

[jen74]

I have also read that leaving a bladder in that does not operate anymore is a risk factor for infections and such. I do not know a whole lot about this procedure you are talking about, but one of my friends mom has had her whole bladder removed ( due to cancer) and now has a urostomy and she is ablt to work and is doing very well. Maybe she should look into this.
Jen

[Judith56]

There are many types of bladder diversion, as someone mentioned all diversion means is that urine is being eliminated via a different route other than through the bladder/urethra. Sometimes they leave the bladder in and sometimes they take it out. It really depends on why the they are having the diversion done. I had my bladder and urethra taken out over 21 years ago.I lvie a normal life and can do pretty much anything I want, it is not the end of the world. For many people it is the opportunity to have a much better quality of life.

[Katrina]

Thanks bunches! I guess the doctor does not feel she is healthy enough for some of the other options but if this option doesn't really improve her symptoms I don't get the point. thank you!!

[DebbieD]

Katrina, I had a Unineary diversion done at First. Itis called a "Cecum-cysto-Plastic Bladder" Part Bowel Part Bladder. It did not work for me. They take Part of your Intestine and make a Bladder. I ended up Self-cathing every 15 Minuties. I had it done twice. My Dr. was trying everything in the world before the Last resort was to remove the Bladder all together. It is a Big Surgery. Mine was about 12 hours.

I hope that this helps.

Hugs
DebbieD

[marsi4]

Debbie, what you are referring to is a cystoplasty. That isn't the same as a Diversion surgery, where the bladder and urethra are left intact. My urologist suggested this procedure, and I was not convinced at all that it is a good idea. What is the point of leaving the bladder if it isn't going to function or be used? I've read that leaving the bladder in, can cause cancer or gangrene. I don't want to have a dead organ inside my body that may cause me to continue to have ic symptoms. A diversion, means changing the path in which the urine travels, is held, and expelled. A diversion, can be done by removing one's bladder or not.

Some doctors want to play it safe and leave the original bladder and urethra intact to avoid doing major, invasive surgery that can cause complications and nerve damage, and avoid a long recovery period. Moreover, if the diversion surgery doesn't help alleviate one's symptoms they can re-attach the ureters back to one's bladder and reverse the surgery.

I know of one patient only who had a diversion done without removing his bladder and urethra and he is doing surprisingly well. I see no good reason to leave a damaged and diseased bladder in a dorment state. It's dead tissue that should be removed to avoid unecessary problems .

Marsi4

[Kara29]

Katrina,

You know where to find me regarding this topic. As far as my first bladder removal, my Doc preferred to not do it that way as to the risk of gang green to the left in bladder.

Kara

[DebbieD]

marsi4

They did the Cecum Plastic surgery back in the early 1980's. My Dr. at the time was trying everything he could before Taking out my Bladder. I respect him for that. Back then you did not have all the New Tech stuff like you have now. But I gladly Wear my Bag and not have to go through the Pain that I had to go through for so many Years.My Bladder removal was the Last resort. I have a Ileo-conduit now for 23 years.I stillhave IC. It attacked my Kidney and I had to have that removed. Now it is Bothering my one and only Kidney. I am babying this Kidney now. They cannot tell me for sure how Long this Kidney will work before they have to remove it.



DebbieD

[dancemomof2]

Debbie,

I don't blame you. I would baby that kidney as much as possible.

[Katrina]

Thanks bunches.... this patient was considering bladder removal but health doesn't seem to be cooperating for that drastic of surgery. Thanks so much for the info!