Cystostomy button for bladder drainage in children.
OBJECTIVE
The "button" enteral feeding systems are widely used as a gastrostomy. We describe our use of this device to facilitate bladder drainage in children.


METHODS
We prospectively reviewed all patients who underwent insertion of a cystostomy button between 2002 and 2005. Indications and complications were analyzed.


RESULTS
A total of 17 children (8 female, 9 male) with a mean age of 7.1 years underwent insertion of a cystostomy button during the 4-year period. Mean followup was 16 months (range 2 to 40). Cases selected included those with a neuropathic bladder, prune belly syndrome, previous major bladder neck surgery and those unsuitable for Mitrofanoff stoma formation. Complications included 1 wound infection treated with antibiotics. Four children had leakage from the cystostomy site that was successfully treated with a change in button size, and 14 buttons remain in situ.


CONCLUSIONS
Button cystostomy is a safe and effective form of bladder drainage in children. It is a good alternative to standard suprapubic drainage and it gives children an improved quality of life.
Milliken
I
I
Department of Pediatric Urology, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Munro
N P
NP
Subramaniam
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003559:Cystostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology