Mitrofanoff or a continent catheterisable channel
Creation of a catheterisable urinary stoma
The Mitrofanoff is a discrete alternative to wearing a urostomy pouch over the stoma to collect urine
What is a Mitrofanoff?
A Mitrofanoff is a catheterisable channel which has been created between your skin and your urinary bladder or new (neo) bladder, which forms a small opening called a stoma on the surface of your skin.
The surgery avoids the need to wear a urostomy pouch over the stoma to collect your urine
The surgery avoids the need to wear a urostomy pouch over the stoma to collect your urine
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Your consultant will make a vertical incision in the lower half of your tummy (abdomen). They will then create a channel using your appendix, a short segment of your bowel (small intestine) or a combination of both. They will join this to your skin by a flap which is shaped into a small pit, similar to your belly button. The procedure takes between three to five hours. -
How to prepare icon plus
You will need to have a pre-assessment appointment to assess your general fitness and blood pressure. You should not eat or drink for art least six hours prior to surgery. As with all surgery a Mitrofanoff carries a degree of risk. Your consultant will explain these to you and ask you to sign a consent form prior to undertaking the procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
A wide range of Mitrofanoff support is available. You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored until you are stable. You will be given fluids through a drip. Three catheters will have been inserted into your bladder; in your Mitrofanoff, urethra and tummy. This is to drain your urine while your bladder is healing. You will have a number of other tubes connected to your body to drain fluids. You will be given painkillers to combat any pain you experience.
A physiotherapist will show you some breathing and leg exercises to help mobilise your body as soon as possible. It will take at least six weeks for you to recover from this surgery.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.