Continent cystostomy (Mitrofanoff's procedure) for neurogenic bladder in children and adolescent (56 cases: Long-term results)

Between 1978 and 1991 we made a continent cystostomy according to Mitrofanoff's technique in 56 patients - children or adolescents - with a neurogenic bladder. We study the complications and the long-term results (follow-up ranging from 3 to 17 years - average 10 years). One patient died from a urological complication, another one died 2 years after from a neurological complication. Two patients were lost to follow-up after 3 years. Among the other patients 36 i.e. 64.3% have had urological complications. Analysis of these complications and their treatment demonstrates that most could now be avoided. At the present time the continent cystostomy with an appendicular or ureteral conduit is the safest and most comfortable way to treat the incontinence of wheel-chair bound patients who cannot or do not wish to use transurethral catheterisation.