Study design, materials and methods
We retrospectively analysed data from 2016-2021 for patients who had previously undergone Mitrofanoff channel formation of any type, who received Bulkamid® injections due to incontinence from their channels. Effectiveness was assessed based on the number of pads used before and after the injection. Outcomes were classified as complete success (dry), partial success (>50% reduction in incontinence pads) and failure. We also calculated success rates for type of channel (appendix, Monti, double Monti), for type of reservoir (native bladder, cystoplasty, neobladder) and for number and volumes of injections per treatment.
Statistical analysis was performed to compare success rates of our previous Macroplastique® outcomes published in 2015, with Bulkamid® using chi-square tests, with p<0.05 as significant.
Interpretation of results
Bulkamid® injection to Mitrofanoff® channel has a partial response rate (45%) in the management of incontinence through a Mitrofanoff channel, but was curative in only 9%. Bulking may, at least, defer the necessity for major surgical revision.