What Is the Mitrofanoff Procedure for Children?

What Is the Mitrofanoff Procedure for Children?

The Mitrofanoff procedure (or appendicovesicostomy) is a surgical procedure that creates a continent urinary diversion for an individual who has trouble storing or emptying urine. The procedure creates a channel from the appendix and to the bladder, allowing urine to flow freely from the bladder through a stoma (a small opening) in the abdomen.

The Mitrofanoff procedure is commonly used in children with a variety of urologic conditions, such as:

- Posterior urethral valves

- Neurogenic bladder

- Bladder exstrophy

- Cloacal exstrophy

- Spinal bifida

How Is the Mitrofanoff Procedure Performed?

The Mitrofanoff procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, using a small camera and surgical instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. The procedure involves several steps:

1. The surgeon removes a portion of the appendix.

2. The surgeon connects one end of the appendix to the bladder and the other end to the abdominal wall.

3. The surgeon creates a small opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall through which the urine will drain.

What Are the Benefits of the Mitrofanoff Procedure?

The Mitrofanoff procedure offers several potential benefits for children with urologic conditions, including:

- Restoration of urinary continence, reducing or eliminating the need for diapers

- Improved urinary function and hygiene

- Preservation of renal function

- Decreased risk of urinary tract infections

- Improved quality of life

What Are the Risks of the Mitrofanoff Procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with the Mitrofanoff procedure, including:

- Bleeding

- Infection

- Leakage of urine

- Scarring

- Bowel perforation

- Bowel Obstruction

- Strictures, or narrowing of the new channel

- Sexual dysfunction

What Is the Recovery Process After the Mitrofanoff Procedure?

The recovery process after the Mitrofanoff procedure typically involves several weeks of activity restrictions, followed by a gradual return to normal activities. The child will need to learn how to self-catheterize the stoma several times a day. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon will be necessary to monitor the progress of the recovery and to perform any necessary adjustments or revisions.