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. Continent catheterizable channels using the Mitrofanoff principle were created in 35 patients (mean age 9.1 years, range 2 to 21). Mean followup was 22 months (range 1 to 60). Followup data are available for 33 patients. We used the appendix, ureter, fallopian tube and tube of stomach to construct the channel. All 33 patients used the Mitrofanoff catheterizable channel without difficulty for at least 3 months postoperatively. A total of 16 patients (48%) can empty the bladder only by Mitrofanoff catheterization and do so without difficulty. All 11 patients (33%) who have the potential to catheterize either the Mitrofanoff channel or urethra choose to catheterize the Mitrofanoff channel preferentially. The patient not using Mitrofanoff catheterization had stomal stenosis 12 months postoperatively and elected to perform urethral catheterization 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 for patients receiving a continent catheterizable stoma.