Favorable experience with a simple technique to create a concealed umbilical stoma.

PURPOSE

After using different sites for continent urinary diversion stomas the umbilicus became the preferred site. Experience with a simple technique to place the continent diversion stoma at the umbilical site is reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cutaneous continent urinary diversion was performed in 95 patients with placement of the stoma at the umbilical site. A triangular skin flap is elevated to the right of the umbilicus, a 1 cm. piece of the umbilical scar is excised and the apex of the skin flap is anastomosed to the spatulated appendix, tapered ileum or gastric tube.

RESULTS

All patients had satisfactory cosmetic results, 3 required simple revision and 4 needed dilation. These 7 patients as well as all others easily catheterized the urinary pouch.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple technique results in good cosmesis and it is associated with a minimal need for stomal revision.