Living with VACTERL Association

Anorectal Malformation - Mitrofanoff Information & Useful Tips

A Mitrofanoff catheterisable channel is a surgically created passage that allows bladder emptying through a small abdominal opening instead of the urethra.

 

In the Mitrofanoff procedure, the appendix or a segment of bowel is used to connect the bladder to the skin, forming a stoma, often hidden in the belly button. 

A built-in valve helps prevent leakage, enabling clean intermittent self-catheterisation and improving independence for people with bladder dysfunction.

 

Care Tips for Managing a Mitrofanoff

Care of a Mitrofanoff channel helps prevent infection, blockage, and leakage.

If the bladder neck has been sealed urine can only drain via the catheterisable channel.

Catheterisation should be performed every 3-4 hours.

Or sooner if the bladder feels full.

Use disposable self lubricating catheters

Standing, instead of sitting, when catheterising helps the urine flow

Wash hands thoroughly before and after catheterisation.
Clean the stoma daily with warm water and mild soap, then dry gently.
Avoid harsh or perfumed products around the stoma.

 

Prevent Blockage

Ensure adequate fluid intake (as recommended by your clinician).
Fully empty the bladder each time.
If bowel tissue is used to enlarge the bladder during bladder augmentation, it may lead to increased mucus production, as the bowel lining naturally secretes mucus.

Regular bladder washouts may be needed to help clear excess mucus and prevent blockage, infection, or catheterisation difficulties.

 

Signs of Infection
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Cloudy, strong-smelling urine

• Fever or abdominal pain

• Increased leakage

• Difficulty passing the catheter

 

Stoma Care

Check regularly for redness, swelling, narrowing, or discharge.
Report persistent bleeding or pain.

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When A Urostomy May Be Needed

While Mitrofanoff is usually effective long-term, potential complications include:

• Stomal stenosis: 

• Narrowing of the stoma, making catheterisation difficult.

• Channel leakage: 

• The continence mechanism can fail, causing urinary leakage.

• Bladder dysfunction: 

• Recurrent infections or high pressures can damage the bladder.

Channel or appendix atrophy/failure: 

The tissue used to make the channel may not remain functional indefinitely.

 

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