Has Anyone Had a Functional Abdominoplasty for Leaking Issues?

Hi everyone!

I have a hate/hate relationship with my stoma named Dammit (born 3/2017). I have a urostomy, and every few years I would have to change products… until this past summer. All I did was leak. In fact, there was a point when I had to change five times in one day. I spoke with one of the WOST nurses, and he was able to get me on a Hollister system… but that still hasn't stopped leaking completely.

For my yearly visit with my urologist in September, we discussed how to stop this constant leaking. I had thought about complete revision surgery, but he said that would be a bit risky. He suggested another surgery that I could have… called a functional abdominoplasty. I believe this has to do with removing flaps and an overglorified tummy tuck, and when I met with a plastic surgeon, he said I would be a perfect candidate for the surgery. I could even have the surgery before Christmas!

So the question I'm lobbing out to everyone is: has anyone had this surgery before? What is the recovery like, how long is the recovery, etc.? I am seeing a plastic surgeon who has done the surgery before and actually works with my urologist on these issues. Just trying to mentally prepare myself before I throw myself in the deep end.

I just look forward to the time that I can go out and not constantly be worried about leaking. I have leaked in so many public places over the past six months. It's kind of incredible how I've hidden it. So if anyone has any thoughts or advice, I would appreciate it very much. I'm also going to cross-post to the Reddit ostomy group.

In advance, thank you so much! And have a lovely day.

Mikhaela

Hello,

First time I've heard of this type of surgery. It does make sense to improve the skin surface to prevent leaking, rather than revision surgery.

Unfortunately, I have no experience with this. Keep trying, though. This website is worldwide, and there's bound to be someone who can provide insights about this unique surgery.

Hi MMM, I feel for you. I can't imagine constant leaks. I've never heard of this type of procedure, but the docs sound confident that you're a good candidate. That's got to be a good feeling!

I've never heard of this surgery either. That said, revision surgery may be much riskier with a urostomy because of the way the ileal conduit is constructed. I really like this idea for you. It simply makes sense.

I hope someone with experience comes along and can answer your questions. Good luck, and let us know how it goes if you get it done.

Hello MassMickMouse.
Thanks for sharing. I too had no experience of this surgery.
However, you have prompted me to look for youtube videos explaining this. The two below were probably among the best of these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cf62aP01_c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AovCwmwoENA
Best wishes 
Bill
& let us know how you get on.

Tips on Hernia Prevention with Collin | Hollister

These videos are gold, thank you! I live about an hour and a half to two hours away from Boston, so I might be looking into places to stay for a few days after surgery. But heck, if I went through urinary diversion, I should be okay with this recovery. Again, thank you so much.

M

My urologist mentioned that if I have total revision surgery, it could cause some metabolic issues. Taking more of the small intestine to make a “hallway” would really screw things up for me.