The Mitrofanoff Principle for Continent Urinary Diversion

A continent urinary diversion was formed for 16 patients using the Mitrofanoff principle for continence. As originally described, this system used the appendix tunnelled into the bladder to form a continent catheterisable vesicostomy. We have expanded the technique and have used all available narrow tubes as continent conduits (ureter 10 cases, appendix 5, Fallopian tube 1). The urine container was made of large and small intestine and bladder in several combinations. The system has been very satisfactory: 14 patients were continent and able to catheterise; 1 required a revision to achieve continence and 1 awaits revision; 3 patients required revision procedures for stricture.