Continent vesicostomy in the absence of the appendix: three methods in 16 children

To review our experience with three methods of continent vesicostomy and to examine the morbidity and long-term outcome of each method. In the absence of an appendix, the surgical options for constructing continent vesicostomies include the use of the ureter, retubularized ileum, or stomach, a Benchekroun valve, or creation of a continent stoma from the reservoir itself.

Between 1984 and 1999, 16 children, 14 with neurogenic bladder, 1 with cloacal malformation, and 1 with valve bladder, required access to their continent reservoir other than the urethra. The appendix was unavailable in all, either because it had been removed surgically at an earlier date or it had been used for an antegrade continent enema procedure. Eighteen continent vesicostomies were performed in 16 children. In 5 children, a Benchekroun valve was constructed. Two were subsequently replaced by tapered small bowel. In 7 children, a segment of small bowel was harvested, retubularized, and reimplanted in the reservoir in a submucosal or seromuscular tunnel. In 6 children, a flap of bowel forming the reservoir was raised, tubularized, and then a Nissen valve was constructed.

The early results of the Benchekroun valve were satisfactory; however, the results with long-term follow-up were disappointing because 4 of 5 children developed stomal stenoses and one subsequent valve perforation. One of the 5 children continued to do well 6 years postoperatively. The 7 children in whom a segment of small bowel was retubularized (Monti procedure) continued to do well and to catheterize their stomas without difficulty. At last follow-up, 1 child was awaiting collagen implant of her bladder neck for urinary incontinence. Five of the 6 children with a Nissen valve were doing well 1 to 8 years postoperatively. One child did well initially, but was lost to follow-up 1 year later.

The appendix is the preferred conduit for a catheterizable stoma. In its absence, our experience with the Benchekroun valve was disappointing. The retubularized ileum provided an excellent and reliable alternative to the appendix and is preferable if the bladder capacity is marginal. The Nissen valve constructed out of the reservoir has the advantage of avoiding intraperitoneal dissection and the use of additional small bowel. The two latter methods appear to be reliable in the long-term and are viable options when the appendix is not available.