Islam and urostoma: a modern view through the prism of a religiously traditional legal system

Abstract

Patients who practice Islam often refuse the proposed type of treatment for malignant neoplasms, citing religious reasons. Most fear that complete or partial non-retention of urine, the presence of a urostoma (ileal conduit) will violate their ritual purity and, as a result, their religious duties. The consequence of such refusal of treatment may be a lower quality of life, compared with patients of other faiths. Unfortunately, a low awareness of religious responsibilities among surgeons performing pelvic exentesis, cystectomy, prostatectomy, may prevent a full-fledged discussion of these issues before surgery. The presented review of the literature examined studies, legal aspects, and religious arguments that assist doctors in choosing treatment tactics for patients.