Use of the appendix for urethral reconstruction in children with congenital anomalies of the bladder.

[BACKGROUND] The presence of the cecal appendix offers a unique opportunity for the achievement of urinary continence and stable access to the reconstructed urinary bladder.

[METHODS] We have reviewed the cases of 17 children treated over a 56-month period whose urinary anomalies have required the construction of a neourethra. Fourteen of these patients underwent neourethral reconstruction by use of the appendix.

[RESULTS] All neourethras are easily catheterized, and all are continent.

[CONCLUSIONS] The ease of application of this reconstructive modality along with its high success rate makes incidental appendectomy contraindicated in children with congenital anomalies of the bladder.