The Mitrofanoff principle in urinary reconstruction.

We report the use of the Mitrofanoff principle to achieve urinary continence in 47 patients. A catheterizable channel can be used as the primary continence mechanism, or as an adjunct to ensure complete bladder emptying if urethral catheterization or voiding is inadequate. Appendico-vesicostomy was performed in 25 of 47 patients (55%). Satisfactory continence was achieved in 45 patients (96%). Bladder emptying by clean intermittent catheterization was performed in all patients. Early complications included peristomal abscess (1 patient) and small bowel obstruction (1). Late complications included difficulty with catheterization (5 patients), stomal stenosis (9) and persistent incontinence (2). Our results support use of the appendix as the catheterizable segment of choice. We describe the technique and discuss the management of complications.