Objective:

To assess the feasibility of standardized postoperative photographic documentation of urostomies and to determine which urostomy characteristics can be reliably evaluated using photographs based on predefined criteria.

Approach:

• Study Design: Single-center feasibility study including patients undergoing radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion.
• Photography and Data Collection: Immediate postoperative images were obtained in the operating room, categorized into overview, close-up, and side-view photographs.
• Urostomy Characteristics Assessment: Photographs were reviewed for predefined characteristics based on literature and expert consensus, focusing on visibility and assessability.
• Standardization of Photography: A professional medical photographer provided recommendations for a standardized photography protocol.

Key Findings:

• 49 patients had postoperative photographs available for analysis, based on predefined characteristics.
• 89 photographs were categorized into overview (49), close-up (31), and side-view (42) images.
• Predefined urostomy characteristics included location, presence within skin folds, mesenteric location, height, size, color, morphology, and peristomal skin condition.

Interpretation:

The study demonstrates the feasibility of using standardized photographic documentation to assess urostomy characteristics.

Limitations:

• Only 49 out of 61 eligible patients had postoperative photographs available, which may limit generalizability.
• The study was conducted at a single center.

Conclusion:

Standardized photographic assessment may provide a reliable method for documenting urostomy characteristics.