Urinary problems after formation of a Mitrofanoff stoma.

1. Bladder irrigation reduces occlusion of drains with clots and debris, thus protecting anastomoses. 2. Leakage from anastomoses is an acknowledged problem postoperatively but resolves spontaneously in the majority of cases. 3. To establish urinary continence a good fluid intake is essential, bladder capacity must be developed, intermittent catheterisation taught and excessive mucus production eliminated. 4. The risk of urinary tract infections can be minimised by drinking cranberry juice, prophylactic antibiotic therapy and a good intermittent catheterisation technique. A degree of bacteria is inevitable and not always significant.