INTRODUCTION: The use of a gastrostomy button for intermittent emptying of the bladder has been already proposed. The aim of this study was to describe a percutaneous button placement under endoscopic control as a safe, minimally invasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The percutaneous gastrostomy kit, according to the Russell gastrostomy tray (Cook; Cook, Bloomington, IN), was used under cystoscopic control. The U-stitche technique, according to Georgeson, allowed us to secure the bladder to the abdominal anterior wall. A guide was introduced into the bladder through a needle. Three dilatators, respectively 12, 14, and 16 FR, allowed the path for a probe or, immediately, the gastrostomy button (Mic-Key; Ballard Medical Products, Draper, UT). RESULTS: Over 2 years, 10 percutaneous continent vesicostomies were performed for patients with a neurogenic bladder. Patients were from 5 months to 19 years old. The procedure was safe. No major complication was observed except for only minor ones. DISCUSSION: When intermittent urethral catheterization cannot be established, Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversion seems to be a major surgery for patients and their parents. In addition, for some patients, intermittent bladder emptying may be required for a transitory period. For all these reasons, there is a place for a reversible vesicostomy with a minimally invasive procedure. Button vesicostomy seems to be a good alternative. In this article, we propose a percutaneous technique with an endoscopic control. If this kind of treatment is effective, it may avoid further major surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous button vesicostomy placement under endoscopic control is safe and feasible and must be evaluated with large series.
INTRODUCTION: The use of a gastrostomy button for intermittent emptying of the bladder has been already proposed. The aim of this study was to describe a percutaneous button placement under endoscopic control as a safe, minimally invasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The percutaneous gastrostomy kit, according to the Russell gastrostomy tray (Cook; Cook, Bloomington, IN), was used under cystoscopic control. The U-stitche technique, according to Georgeson, allowed us to secure the bladder to the abdominal anterior wall. A guide was introduced into the bladder through a needle. Three dilatators, respectively 12, 14, and 16 FR, allowed the path for a probe or, immediately, the gastrostomy button (Mic-Key; Ballard Medical Products, Draper, UT). RESULTS: Over 2 years, 10 percutaneous continent vesicostomies were performed for patients with a neurogenic bladder. Patients were from 5 months to 19 years old. The procedure was safe. No major complication was observed except for only minor ones. DISCUSSION: When intermittent urethral catheterization cannot be established, Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversion seems to be a major surgery for patients and their parents. In addition, for some patients, intermittent bladder emptying may be required for a transitory period. For all these reasons, there is a place for a reversible vesicostomy with a minimally invasive procedure. Button vesicostomy seems to be a good alternative. In this article, we propose a percutaneous technique with an endoscopic control. If this kind of treatment is effective, it may avoid further major surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous button vesicostomy placement under endoscopic control is safe and feasible and must be evaluated with large series.