The Utility of Shanfield Implantation Technique During Creation of Mitrofanoff Procedure in Pediatric Age Group

Management of bladder dysfunction was revolutionized by the introduction of intermittent catheterization by Lapides. Later, Mitrofanoff described a trans-appendicular continent cystostomy, launching a new concept whereby the bladder could be emptied by a route other than the urethra.

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is one of the main tools for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management, as it provides adequate bladder emptying and protects the upper urinary tract from high pressures, hence preventing progressive renal damage.

Despite its important role, CIC is difficult to perform in various situations: lack of manual dexterity, female wheelchair patients, body habitus, anatomical morbidity due to extensive surgery or psychological problems. For such patients, continent urinary diversion (CUD) is a viable option for bladder emptying optimization.

Various techniques have been described to create an anti-reflux appendicovesical anastomosis in pediatric lower urinary tract reconstruction, whether performed via an extravesical or an intravesical route, all share a common denominator of creating a submucosal tunnel in an attempt to replicate the physiological anti-reflux mechanism.