Which condition is listed as potentially requiring urinary diversion?

• A. Urinary stones
• B. Cervical cancer involving bladder tissue
• C. Prostate cancer
• D. Kidney infections

Answer: (C)

Urinary diversion is considered when the normal urine pathway is removed or permanently nonfunctional due to disease or its treatment, so urine must be redirected to exit the body through a stoma or reservoir. In prostate cancer, treatment can involve removing the bladder and prostate (cystoprostatectomy) or otherwise disrupting the bladder’s connection to the urinary tract. When the bladder is removed, a urinary diversion—such as an ileal conduit or a urinary reservoir—is created to channel urine out of the body. That scenario is why prostate cancer is the condition listed as potentially requiring urinary diversion.

Urinary stones and kidney infections don’t inherently require diverting urine; they’re managed with stone removal, drainage, or antibiotics, and don’t typically necessitate creating a new urinary exit unless other pelvic structures are involved. Cervical cancer involving bladder tissue could in some cases lead to diversion if the bladder is removed, but the common exam emphasis for potential diversion centers on procedures following prostate cancer surgery.