A vesicostomy is an opening in the abdomen that allows urine to drain continuously from the bladder. The opening is made by making a small incision (cut) through the skin and into the bladder during a surgical operation. A small part of the wall of the bladder is turned inside out and sewn to the abdomen. There will not be a gaping hole in the abdominal wall. The opening instead looks like a small slit surrounded by some pink tissue.
Most often children who need this procedure are very young -- usually infants and toddlers. Children may have been born with an obstruction (blockage) somewhere in the urinary tract. This may occur in children who have been diagnosed with posterior urethral valves, cloacal anomalies, vesicoureteral reflux or spina bifida.
This procedure is a necessary step for some children to help prevent urinary tract infections and/or kidney damage. Although most children who need a vesicostomy are young (under 5 years old), sometimes this procedure also helps older children or teenagers temporarily.
