THE MITROFANOFF CATHETERIZABLE CHANNEL - PATIENT ACCEPTANCE

A review of our experience with the Mitrofanoff catheterizable channel , with emphasis on patient acceptance and preference, is presented. Co ntinent catheterizable channels using the Mitrofanoff principle were c reated in 35 patients (mean age 9.1 years, range 2 to 21). Mean follow up was 22 months (range 1 to 60). Followup data are available for 33 p atients. We used the appendix, ureter, fallopian tube and tube of stom ach to construct the channel. All 33 patients used the Mitrofanoff cat heterizable channel without difficulty for at least 3 months postopera tively. A total of 16 patients (48%) can empty the bladder only by Mit rofanoff catheterization and do so without difficulty. All 11 patients (33%) who have the potential to catheterize either the Mitrofanoff ch annel or urethra choose to catheterize the Mitrofanoff channel prefere ntially. The patient not using Mitrofanoff catheterization had stomal stenosis 12 months postoperatively and elected to perform urethral cat heterization rather than undergo surgical repair. Five patients (15%) can void but all use the Mitrofanoff catheterizable channel to monitor post-void residual volumes. This study shows a high acceptance rate f or patients receiving a continent catheterizable stoma.