What is the bladder augmentation?
bladder augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the bladder storage capacity and improve its function. Operations are usually performed in children who have serious incontinence problems due to congenital bladder defects, nerve dysfunction or other conditions that worsen urine control. The bladder enlargement involves extracting a piece of small intestine and its connection to the bladder to form a pouch. It is usually an open surgery that requires a lengthy stay in the hospital and special measures to care at home. Most patients who have undergone surgery are able to fully extract, even if they may have to use catheters and take medication for the rest of their lives to avoid complications in the future.
A child may need bladder augmentation if it has a particularly small or malformed bladder due to a congenital defect. Multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and traumatic injuries that damage the nerves and gownsFunctioning can also cause incontinence and require surgery. Before considering invasive operations, a team of doctors usually try to treat a basic problem with more conservative techniques such as catheterization and treatment. If all other methods do not provide permanent relief, the consultation may be planned for a specialized surgeon who discusses the procedure in detail.
Most patients must be hospitalized at least two days before the bladder enlargement for preoperative preparation. Enema and special liquid diet help cleanse the intestines, so the section can be safely removed during the surgery. Before the procedure, the patient is given a general anesthetic, sedative and intravenous line for providing fluids and drugs. The surgeon makes a long cut along the lower abdomen to access the bladder and intestine. Furthermore, a piece of small intestine is carefully removed and the remaining tissue are sewnback together.
The surgeon then separates the bladder from the urea, a tube that transmits urine to the urethra. The intestinal tissue is grafted on the bladder base and shaped to form a collection case. The urea is re -connected and a catheter is introduced to help drain the bladder while the tissues are subject to healing. Surgical wound is closed with stitches and dressed antibiotics and bandages.
After magnification of the bladder, the patient is generally kept in the hospital for about two weeks for monitoring. If the recovery goes as planned, it can still go home with the catheter intact. Parents, carers or guest nurses are responsible for cleaning the catheter and changing bags to collect urine every day. For most children, full recovery can be expected in about three or four months. Patients who do not gain the ability to control urination due to nervous problems must continue to use their entire life.