Mitrofanoff uses what type of catheterization?

• A. Urethral catheter
• B. External bag catheter
• C. Suprapubic catheter
• D. Indwelling femoral catheter

Answer: (C)

Mitrofanoff enables catheterization through a surgically created catheterizable channel that opens on the abdominal skin, allowing clean intermittent self-catheterization to the bladder. The conduit, often formed from the appendix (appendicovesicostomy), provides a stable, continent path so the person can insert a catheter through the stoma at intervals rather than through the urethra. This distinguishes it from urethral catheterization, external bag drainage, or a long-term suprapubic catheter, which is a tube left in place through the bladder wall for continuous drainage. The Mitrofanoff approach focuses on an intermittent catheter through a stoma for bladder emptying.