Ureterocystoplasty (Bladder augmentation) in a 16 year-old boy with goldenhar syndrome

The use of the dilated ureter for bladder augmentation is universally accepted for its lower rate of complications compared to the use of gastrointestinal segments. We report the case of a 16 year-old boy affected by Goldenhar syndrome who presented with neurogenic bladder with small-capacity, 5° grade vescico-ureteral reflux (VUR) with megaureter and bilateral hydronephrosis. Bladder augmentation using the distal dilated ureter, transuretero-ureterostomy left to right and Mitrofanoff’s appendicovescicostomy were performed. Six months after surgery voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed a compliant bladder with a functional capacity of 400 ml. Ureterocystoplasty is a safe and effective method of augmenting small capacity urinary bladder. We suggest using the ureter, when available, instead of using gastrointestinal segments.