Mitrofanoff Procedure

Access exceptional care for adult Mitrofanoff procedures at Montefiore Einstein Urology and for children at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). As a leader in urology, we are an academic-based referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.

Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies. Our specialists are leaders in minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, and performed the region’s first robotic bladder augmentation and continent urinary diversion procedure.

When you want only the best care for yourself or your child, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.

The Mitrofanoff procedure, also known as appendicovesicostomy, is a surgical procedure that uses a portion of the appendix or colon to create a continent, catheterizable channel for urine to flow from the bladder to a stoma (an opening) in the abdominal wall. This procedure gives patients more control over emptying their bladder by allowing them to perform self-catheterization through the stoma and Mitrofanoff tunnel into the bladder. It can also help improve symptoms of incontinence.

The Mitrofanoff procedure is performed to help individuals with difficulties emptying their bladder due to congenital anomalies, neurologic disorders causing neurogenic bladder, or other bladder disorders. Conditions that may benefit from the Mitrofanoff procedure include:

• Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer
• Bladder exstrophy
• Bladder obstruction
• Cloacal exstrophy
• Epispadias
• Neurogenic bladder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Spina bifida
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Stroke
• Posterior urethral valves
• Urinary incontinence

The Mitrofanoff procedure is an advanced surgical procedure that can be performed as open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and/or robotic surgery. A conduit (tube) is created using a portion of the appendix (most common), ileum (small intestine), colon, cecum (a pouch that forms the first part of the large intestine) or stomach. One end is attached to the bladder, and the other end is attached to the abdominal wall. This creates a stoma to allow the insertion of a catheter, through which the bladder can be emptied.