Retrospective review of patients who had a button vesicostomy to permit bladder drainage between 1998 and 2011.
Thirty children underwent button vesicostomy insertion aged between 4 days and 16 years. Indications were neuropathic bladders (n聽=聽15), congenital hypotonic bladders (n聽=聽6), functional bladder disorders (n聽=聽5), and post-obstruction bladders (n聽=聽4). The median length of use was 11 months; however, 7 patients still have the button in situ. Minor complications (n聽=聽12) included transient leakage, wound infection, and overgranulation. Major complications included 2 UTIs, 1 device failure, and 2 significant leaks, requiring revision of the tract and removal of the button.
The button vesicostomy is a suitable and safe technique for use in the short- and medium-term. The procedure has minimal morbidity and therefore is acceptable to families. It has a wide scope, including patients with a neuropathic bladder as an alternative to CIC and where temporary drainage is required until bladder function can recover.