[An experience with a continent appendix stoma].

The submucosally embedded in situ appendix guarantees an ideal continence mechanism in patients with ileocecal urinary reservoirs. To date this modification of the Mainz pouch technique was performed successfully in 10 patients between September 1990 and October 1992. Pouch capacity ranged from 350 ml to 900 ml (mean: 565 ml), frequency of intermittent self-catheterization ranged from 3 to 7 times per day (mean: 4.4-5.4 times) and complete urinary continence without difficulty of self-catheterization was obtained in eight patients. Two patients with stomal stenosis needed to indwell a catheter. The follow up periods ranged from 3 to 24 months (mean: 14.7 months). The main advantages of appendix stoma technique are shorter operation time, a short ileal segment, no risk of nipple gliding or prolapse, no need for staples, thereby decreasing significantly the risk of stone formation, and facilitating easy catheterization. This method seemed to be valuable for continent urinary reservoir assuring patients of high quality of life.