THE USE OF VESICOSTOMY AS PERMANENT URINARY DIVERSION IN THE CHILD WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE

Abstract

While the goal of achieving urinary continence is well worth striving for in the child with myelomeningocele, it is not realistic for all patients. We believe that permanent cutaneous vesicostomy is an acceptable alternative that the reconstructive surgeon should consider. This reliable and simple technique ensures safe decompression of the upper urinary tracts, while avoiding the complications of urinary diversion using segments of bowel.