Pediatric laparoscopic mitrofanoff procedure- preliminary results of a simplified technique

Laparoscopic appendicovesicostomy (LA) is a rather new technique and still a challenging procedure even for the most experienced surgeons because it requires advanced laparoscopic experience and surgical skill. The aim of this study is to analyze the short-term results and benefits of laparoscopic LA in children.

Prospective study of children undergoing LA at our institution between January 2018 and October 2021. The procedure was perfomed using a laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. The distal end of the appendix was spatulated and reimplanted in the bladder by a modified Shanfield technique. The proximal end was brought out as the cutaneous umbilical stoma.

Over the study period 15 patients underwent LA (14 males,1 female). Mean age at intervention was 8.8 years (SD:3.1). Indication for surgery was pain during CIC in 13 (86.7%) and difficulty for CIC in 2 (13.3%). Eight patients (53.5%) presented end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Median operative time was 217.3 min (r:140-300). Two patients (13.3%) experienced early postoperative complications: ileus (1) and internal hernia over the mesoappendix with subsequent intestinal obstruction. Mean hospital stay was 6.8 days (SD:1.7). Four patients (26.7%) experienced late postoperative stoma related complications: stomal stenosis (1), granuloma (1) and inability to catheterize (2). With a mean follow-up of 21.46 months (SD: 13) all except the patent who lost the conduit are continent and on CIC every 3 h.

We suggest that LA by this technique is effective, safe and reproducible, and is associated with good short-term results. The complication rate is similar to the open procedure being intestinal obstruction due to internal hernia probably the most serious.