[Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversions: The opinion of 57 patients]

To evaluate the psychological repercussions and degree of adaptation in daily living of patients with a Mitrofanoff continent external urinary diversion.

Fifty seven patients were questioned about their Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversions, using a questionnaire translated into their spoken language (Arabic).

The mean age was 29 years (range: 10 to 72 years). The indication for the diversion was a neurological cause in 91% of cases. Continence was achieved in every case, but after surgical revision in 3 cases. Self-catheterization was considered to be easy and not especially bothersome in 49 cases (86%). The diversion had occasional and moderate repercussions on activities of daily living, estimated between 3.5 and 17.5%. Sixteen patients (94%) returned to work and another fifteen (79%) successfully resumed their schooling. Nineteen patients (83%) who were sexually active preoperatively reported a satisfactory sex life after the operation. Finally, this operation was highly appreciated by the patients in 96.5% of cases for hygienic and psychological reasons.

The Mitrofanoff urinary diversion allows satisfactory social, work and family rehabilitation provided the patient adapts to diversion management.