Welcome to Connect, @palevsky. I'm tagging @predictable on this discussion about augmentation cytoplasty in case he has some experience in his circle of connections with this procedure. While the recovery time seems to be quite long (3-4 months), the promised end result sure would make the procedure worthwhile. Palevsky, what information have you gathered so far about benefits and risks of the procedure? Are there possible complications? Do you live with a urostomy now?

Hi @palevsky. Glad Colleen asked me to weigh in. At the outset, I emphasize that I have not had a urostomy, because by good fortune my sphincter was not damaged in the TURP surgery that removed a large piece of my prostate.

Not so with my father, whose urethra and sphincter were rendered useless by his TURP surgery, and a urostomy was necessary. The possibility of an Indiana autmentation cytoplasty was discussed with him, but never recommended because his bladder was sufficient to hold his urine. His issue was whether to self-catheterize through an artificial stoma through his body wall. He chose not to do so and had a tube installed permanently through the stoma into an external urine bag. He was nearly 90 years old at the time of his surgery, and his medical team thought self-catheterization presented too high a risk for infection. Unfortunately, the permanent tube became infected every few weeks over the five years he survived after the surgery. All that time, though, he had no regrets about his choices. What he taught me made my choices better, and I'm grateful.

I'll be glad to respond to any questions you have about me or my father. I'm sure that whatever you choose to do, it will be successful, and you'll carry on in comfort and confidence. Martin

Urotomy is what I want to do. I have a Suprapubic catheter on now.This procedure was done with no chance to discuss at urologist office since my stricture was practically closed. Since then I have seen three surgeons discussing this surgery and reconstructive surgery. The latter was ruled out after having VCUG test and Urodynamics test and finding out reconstructive surgery might not be successful. Hence I am left with choice Indiana Augmentation Cystoplasty. I am aware of the surgery performed but many questions remain. I am especially concerned about complications resulting from using bowel to divert urine, such as kidney problems, electrolyte & vitamin deficiency, infections, etc. Catherizing and irrigating mucous is there difficulty? What are the challenges with traveling and participating in activities? Will I need any home care? Those are a list of questions that I feel I have insufficient information even though I asked surgeons the above. They are not the most willing to elaborate. By the way surgery if I proceed will be done at. Cleveland Clinic. Thanks for your help. One more request I have been trying to find formal patients to talk to without success. Do you have any links that may help forward it.

Martin thanks for weighing in. I have since added a more recent post today and please respond if you can provide any info or any other sites you recommend . My wife is less than enthusiastic about this surgery and needs more convincing that this is preferred way to proceed. I live a very active lifestyle and hope I can resume it after I recover. Thanks for interest.