The topic is about someone who has been living with a urostomy since March 2017 and is dealing with frequent leaks from their appliance. These leaks have become so troublesome that they sometimes need to change their appliance up to five times a day. Despite trying various products, including a system recommended by a nurse, the problem persists. Their urologist has suggested that a complete stoma revision might be too risky, so they are considering a "functional abdominoplasty" instead. This procedure involves removing excess skin and performing a tummy-tuck-like repair to create a smoother surface for the pouching system, which could help reduce leaks. The person is looking for advice and experiences from others who might have undergone this procedure, as well as information on recovery and preparation.
Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. Some people had not heard of "functional abdominoplasty" but agreed that improving the abdominal surface could logically help with leakage issues and might be safer than a full stoma revision.
2. One person pointed out that revision surgery for urostomies can be riskier due to the way the conduit is constructed, making abdominoplasty a potentially better option.
3. It was suggested to watch online videos to understand the procedure and recovery better. Two recommended YouTube links provide explanations and insights:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cf62aP01_c
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AovCwmwoENA
4. There was encouragement to continue seeking experiences from other patients through global forums and to share the results after the surgery.
Additionally, the person is considering temporary lodging near Boston for the early post-op period and is concerned about potential metabolic issues if a full stoma revision were to be done, as it might affect nutrient absorption.