[3] The other end of the channel is sewn to the bladder and a flap valve of tissue is created to prevent leakage from the stoma between catheterizations.

[11] If bowel tissue is used to create an entirely new bladder, the resulting reservoir to hold urine is called a neobladder.

[11] The concept of clean intermittent catheterization via the urethra was widely introduced by Jack Lapides when he published a seminal paper on the subject in 1972.

[14] Mitrofanoff's concept revolutionized clean intermittent catheterization because it allows urine to be drained via a route other than the urethra.

[14] The Mitrofanoff procedure is typically performed as an alternative for people who experience painful urethral catheterization and has been particularly useful for females.

[17] For people who would otherwise leak via the urethra, the Mitrofanoff channel can provide continence and enable them to stop using diapers.

[20] Bowel prep can be performed at home the 1–2 days before surgery or in some instances, occurs in a hospital before the operation.

[25] A tube is typically also placed in the urethra or through a suprapubic opening to ensure full urine drainage and to rest the bladder during recovery.

[25] The tubes are generally removed and the channel is ready to use with intermittent catheters in 4–6 weeks,[25] provided that a medical professional first instructs on how to catheterize.

[28] The three types are: People with Mitrofanoff channels should eat a balanced diet that is high in fiber, including a recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

[29] Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to flush out the kidneys and bladder and to lessen the chance of urinary tract infection.

[29] Recommended fluid intake is 2-3 liters of water a day, resulting in the production of healthy urine that is light in color.

[29] Most people with Mitrofanoff channels can drink alcohol in moderation provided that they follow a regular catheterization schedule to avoid overfilling the bladder.

[26] A washout, also called an irrigation,[31] is performed by pushing saline or sterile water into the channel using a syringe connected to a catheter.

[31] People with Mitrofanoff channels can expect a lifetime of annual testing to evaluate their urological health.