The Mitrofanoff procedure: does it last?

Objective To examine the long‐term effectiveness of the Mitrofanoff principle and establish if the catheterizing channel is sufficiently robust for long‐term use. Patients and methods Ten patients who had undergone Mitrofanoff reconstruction between 1989 and 1991 (minimum follow‐up 10 years) were offered reinterview by one of the authors (J.F.), which involved a structured questionnaire assessing catheterization, continence and complications. Results One patient had died; nine patients were alive and eight agreed to the structured interview. All the patients had their original stoma and all were completely continent. Four of the patients had experienced stenosis, four had had stones and four had been ill with urinary tract infection(s). Conclusion Despite the complications of infection, stones and some episodic stenosis, the Mitrofanoff channel remains functional for long periods without sustaining structural damage.