Overview of Continent Urinary Reservoir
Continent urinary reservoirs reflect the state of the art approach to urinary diversion. Two types of CURs are construct- ed by isolating and detaching various sections of the intestine and configuring this tissue into a sphere (Gray & Beitz, 2005; Kane, 2000a). This sphere-shaped re- servoir is then anastomosed to the intact upper urinary tract sys- tem (Gray & Beitz, 2005). Eli- mination of urine depends on the type of diversion created. The orthotopic neobladder is re- attached to the urethra so that the patient urinates through the mea- tus (Gray & Beitz, 2005). A sec- ond method of diversion, the continent cutaneous reservoir, involves creating an efferent limb ending with a stoma that is brought through the abdomen to the skin level (Gray & Beitz, 2005; Kane, 2000a). Elimination from the continent cutaneous reservoir requires insertion of a catheter into the reservoir to drain the urine.Patients have significant pre and postoperative needs that unfold with the cancer diagnosis, and balloon to affect daily life both pre-operatively and postop- eratively. Physical needs include learning the management of the altered urinary system, receiving adequate pain control, and understanding the role of nutri- tion in the recovery phase (Kane, 2000b). A daily exercise plan with increasing intensity and duration is necessary to maintainlevels of activities of daily living, prevent constipation, and lessen the possibility of pneumonia or emboli. If necessary, in-home physical therapy can be arranged.
Lack of proper nutrition can delay the healing process and increase the risk for other surgi- cal complications. Since nutri- tion is a key component in the recovery process, patients may need to re-evaluate previous eat- ing habits. Loss of appetite is common following this surgery and these patients should be encouraged to eat six small meals daily with attention to protein at each meal. Isolated patients or those living alone are less likely to eat properly. Community resources such as “Meals on Wheels,” well-being checks, and clergy visits can be planned to improve the needed social aspect of eating.
Social needs relate to con- cerns about finances including the loss of income, inability to pay for hospital services and other medical costs, and the inability to care for themselves or other dependant family mem- bers. Patients may also experi- ence a change in their role or sta- tus within the family, going from decision maker to dependent member. This may cause increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Compound this with the fact that, in the initial postoperative peri- od, these patients usually require additional family support for assistance with physical care and temporary housing. Many are elderly, live alone, and should not return to their primary home alone for at least 1 week. Yet many of these patients may be reluctant to interrupt their chil- dren’s lives and request assis- tance. If necessary, short-term stays in extended care facilities can be arranged through social service agencies.
Psychological needs stem from the physical and social issues patients are challenged to confront (Fleischer & Bryant, 2005; Gray & Beitz, 2005). Knowledge deficits about the diag- nosis, surgical treatment options, pre-operative testing procedures, and short and long-term postoper- ative care, create an environment that further increases patients’ anger, grief, fear, and anxiety (Fleischer & Bryant, 2005; Gray & Beitz, 2005). Instruction by a knowledgeable nurse is, there- fore, critical to help guide them through decision making, treat- ment, and recovery in order to promote their return to optimal health status. Peplau (1992) iden- tifies a need for patients to also be part of a community. These patients need involvement with friends and family on a social level beyond their assistance as caregivers. Rejoining their church community, meeting friends for lunch/dinner, and participating in other community events may prevent depression.