Cecal volvulus occurring after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Less than 2% of cases of intestinal obstruction in adults is caused by cecal volvulus. Although recent abdominal surgery has been implicated, no previous case of cecal volvulus has been reported after laparoscopic appendectomy.     

The Malone antegrade continence enema procedure: the Amsterdam experience

Background

The Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure has been previously described as a safe and effective option for the treatment of children with chronic defecation disorders when maximal medical therapy and conventional treatment have failed.

Purpose

To evaluate clinical success, complications, and quality of life of children with chronic defecation disorders with a MACE stoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 23 patients who underwent the construction of a MACE stoma was performed. Preoperative and postoperative data were evaluated. A specific questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction.

Results

A significant increase was found in defecation frequency (1.0 [range, 0-4] pretreatment vs 5.5 [range, 0-28] posttreatment per week; P < .006) and a significant decrease in fecal incontinence frequency (10 [range, 0-14] pretreatment vs 0 [range, 0-14] posttreatment per week; P < .034). Postoperative complications of the MACE procedure were fecal leakage (43%), wound infection (52%), and stomal stenosis (39%). A total of 86% of the patients were satisfied with the results of the Malone stoma (n = 21).

Conclusions

The MACE procedure is an effective treatment in children with intractable defecation disorders. Postoperative complications are, however, not uncommon. Further refinement of the technique focused to reduce the complication rate is necessary to expand the application of this approach.     

Fecal incontinence successfully managed by antegrade continence enema in children: A report of two cases

Two children with intractable fecal incontinence after correction of high anorectal malformations were successfully managed by the daily administration of a glycerin enema into the cecum via an appendicocecostomy or tubularized cecostomy, according to the method of Malone's antegrade continence enema (ACE). Fluoroscopic defecography performed during this procedure in each patient disclosed that the glycerin enema promptly evoked cecal peristalsis, which was transmitted to the distal colon and rectum, and squeezed out almost all the fecal matter, evacuating it from the anus. However, two enemas within a short interval were required to achieve a complete washout of feces. Although this report describes only two patients, our experience confirmed that the ACE was very effective and that adding the word continence to antegrade enema was justifiable. Moreover, fluoroscopic defecography was proven to play a significant role in determining the appropriate regimens of this technique to achieve complete washout of the feces.     

Tube sigmoidostomy: a modification of the antegrade colonic evacuation

Background: The Malone appendicostomy enema has established its place in the treatment of paediatric faecal incontinence. More recently, the laparoscopic appendicostomy enema has gained favour. In the situation where the appendix has already been removed, caecal stomal tubes can be constructed to facilitate antegrade colonic wash‐outs. These techniques may not provide an accept­able result if there is a significant time delay from the introduction of the enema to the result. Wash‐outs through the more distal colon ? either by retrograde techniques with a rectal tube or, more recently, through a plastic stomal device inserted percutaneously into the sigmoid colon (the Chait tube) ? can result in rapid evacuation. Rectal wash‐outs may not provide an adequate lavage and can be technically difficult for some children to perform, while many other children find external devices cosmetically unacceptable. We present a modification of this distal colonic technique that can allow greater control, can be used in the absence of an appendix and avoids the need for an external device. Methods: Two paediatric patients with spina bifida and faecal incontinence underwent tube sigmoidostomy formation. In both patients, the appendix was not available to be used for colonic wash‐outs. Results: Both patients reported excellent success with this procedure. They are continent, able to cannulate the stoma and irrigate independently. Conclusions: The technique can provide excellent continence control in patients who are not successful with a right‐sided Malone appendicostomy. It also overcomes the need for a catheterizable appendix, and an external device.     

Cecal volvulus in cerebral palsy: Report of a case

A rare case of cecal volvulus in cerebral palsy that was preoperatively diagnosed and surgically treated without complications is herein reported. A 45-year old man, who had been treated for cerebral palsy as a result of a neonatal cerebral hemorrhage, was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and vomiting. A plain abdominal X-ray film showed evidence of a huge quantity of gas in the left abdomen. Using a gastrographin enema from the colonoscope, an obstruction of the ascending colon was revealed with tapering of the lumen. A computed tomography scan showed a grossly dilated air-distended bowel in the left abdomen and soft tissue with internal architecture containing swirling strands of soft tissue and fat attenuation. An emergency laparotomy was performed. During the laparotomy the ileocecal region, which was unfixed at the retroperitoneum, was found to be twisted counterclockwise by 360° around the mesentery with the terminal ileum, thus resulting in a diagnosis of cecal volvulus. We therefore conducted an ileocecal resection. Cecal volvulus is an uncommon form of intestinal obstruction with a high mortality rate and may present considerable difficulty in diagnosis. Although cecal volvulus is rare as a cause of intestinal obstruction, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction in cerebral palsy.     

Left colonic antegrade continence enema: experience gained from 19 cases

Purpose

As problems have developed with the right colonic antegrade continence enema procedure (Malone's procedure/Monti's retubularized ileocolostomy), left colonic antegrade continence enema (LACE) procedure, in which retubularized ileum or sigmoid colon is anastomosed into the sigmoid colon, has gained popularity. The aim of the study was to describe our experience with the LACE procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 19 LACE procedures that were performed at the Yonsei University College of Medicine Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from March 2001 to March 2005.

Results

Male-to-female ratio was 11:8, with median age of 10 years (range, 3-34 years). Most common diagnosis was meningomyelocele (78.9%, 15/19). The median total follow-up period was 23 months (range, 3-37 months); median antegrade continence enema volume used was 600 mL (range, 250-1500 mL); and median transit time was 30 minutes (range, 15-60 minutes). Patients performed antegrade continence enema with an average of once every 2 days (range, 0.3-3 days). Social continence was achieved in 14 patients (73.7%). Regurgitation of fecal material through stoma was not reported at all in 17 patients (89.5%).

Conclusions

We recommend LACE as the procedure of choice for children with congenital malformations or any other condition predisposing to fecal incontinence or constipation intractable to conventional treatment.     

Long-term results of the antegrade continent enema procedure for constipation in adults

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of the Antegrade Continent Enema (ACE) procedure for treating severe constipation in adults. METHODS: Over 10 years 37 ACE conduits were created in 32 patients (median age 35 years, 26 women) with constipation caused by slow transit, obstructed defaecation or both. Conduits were created from the appendix (n = 20, 54%), ileum (n = 10, 27%), neoappendix caecostomy (n = 5, 14%) or colon (n = 2, 5%). Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine outcome. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 36 (range 13-140) months, 28 (88%) required at least one further procedure on a primary conduit, including reversal in 19 (59%). Five patients had a second conduit fashioned, two successfully. Conduit type and constipation cause did not significantly influence the rates of ACE reversal or major revision. Ileal conduits were associated with fewer minor revision procedures for stenosis (1 in 7 patients) than appendix conduits (21 in 20 patients). There was one (3%) serious complication. Satisfactory ACE function was ultimately achieved in 47% of patients, at last follow up. After ACE reversal, 9 (28%) patients underwent formation of an end stoma and 3 patients had a colectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Revision procedures are common, but approximately half of patients can expect satisfactory long-term ACE function. ACE conduit reversal does not preclude subsequent alternative surgical strategies to treat this difficult condition.     

A case report: Cecal volvulus caused by Meckel's diverticulum

INTRODUCTION

Meckel''s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to Meckel''s diverticulum include hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction and inflammation. Acute large bowel obstruction is a rare complication of Meckel''s diverticulum and in the presented case it is caused by volvulus.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a 39 year old female who presented with the diagnosis of a large bowel obstruction occurring as a result of cecal volvulus caused by adhesions of a perforated diverticulum.

DISCUSSION

The reported case presents one of the rare complications of MD, which is volvulus. The case described above presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction and radiological findings suggestive of cecal volvulus. The patient was taken to the operation room for exploration and we discovered the presence of a perforated MD. The main treatment of such case is to perform diverticulectomy in all symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

MD is mostly identified intraoperatively. Knowledge of the pathophysiologies by which MD can cause complications such as volvulus is important in order to plan management.     

Antegrade colonic enema for faecal incontinence in adults: long‐term results of 75 patients

Aim Faecal incontinence is a significant source of distress, and a permanent stoma is frequently offered to these patients. The antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedure is an alternative approach to treat faecal incontinence. The long‐term outcome remains unknown in adults with faecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term results of the ACE procedure for incontinence in adults and its impact upon quality of life. Method All patients who underwent an ACE procedure between 1999 and 2009 were included. Clinical and demographic data and postoperative course were obtained from a review of medical records and databases. Each patient underwent a telephone interview. Quality of life was assessed using the GIQLI and SF36 scores, and faecal incontinence was evaluated using the Wexner score. Results Seventy‐five patients (54 females; 72%) were included. An ileal neoappendicostomy was performed in 68 patients (90%). The mean hospital stay was 9 days (range 6–24 days). Early complications occurred in four patients and late surgical complications (after 3 months) were observed in 12 (16%) patients. At a median follow up of 48 months, 64 (91%) were still performing enemas, and treatment was judged to be successful in 55 (86%) of 64 patients. The Wexner score was 3.4 ± 2.4, showing a significant reduction when compared with the preoperative value (P < 0.0001). Quality of life scores were in the range of a control population. Conclusion The ACE procedure is an effective long‐term strategy in the treatment of faecal incontinence, with low and acceptable morbidity, and should be preferred before definitive colostomy.     

Single-stage procedure in management of uncomplicated acute sigmoid volvulus without colonic lavage

Aim: The management of sigmoid volvulus remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients with acute non-complicated sigmoid volvulus managed with resection and anastomosis without preoperative colonic lavage. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2009, 40 patients with uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus underwent bowel decompression, resection and anastomosis without preoperative mechanical colonic preparation. Results: A total of 40 patients underwent the procedure, one patient developed anastomotic leak. Wound infection was reported in three patients, one death was a result of respiratory failure. Conclusion: Surgical management of sigmoid volvulus in one step without preoperative colonic lavage is a safe procedure and is recommended for acute cases.     

Gastric volvulus in children: report of two cases

Two cases of gastric volvulus in children are reported, one acute and one chronic. The diagnosis should be suspected as an unusual cause of chronic recurring upper abdominal pain or in acute gastric obstruction. The radiographic appearances of these patients are presented. Anterior gastropexy has produced good results in both the patients described.     

Slow-transit constipation: evaluation and treatment

Slow-transit constipation is characterized by delay in transit of stool through the colon, caused by either myopathy or neuropathy. The severity of constipation is highly variable, but may be severe enough to result in complete cessation of spontaneous bowel motions. Diagnostic tests to assess colonic transit include radiopaque marker or radioisotope studies, and intraluminal tests (colonic and small bowel manometry). Most patients with functional constipation respond to laxatives, but a small proportion are resistant to this treatment. In some patients biofeedback is helpful although the mechanism by which this works is still uncertain. Other patients are resistant to all conservative modes of therapy and require surgical intervention. Extensive clinical and physiological preoperative assessment of patients with slow colonic transit is essential before considering surgery, including an assessment of small bowel motility and identification of coexistent obstructed defecation. The psychological state of the patient should always be taken into account. When surgery is indicated, subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis is the operation of choice. Segmental colonic resection has been reported in a few patients, but methods of identifying the affected segment need to be developed further. Less invasive and reversible surgical options include laparoscopic ileostomy, antegrade colonic enema and sacral nerve stimulation.     

Successful Preoperative Diagnosis of a Rare Bowel Obstruction: Cecal Volvulus

Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction and is rarely diagnosed correctly at the time of presentation. We report a case in an 86-year-old man presented with an abrupt onset of lower abdominal distension, preoperatively diagnosed as cecal volvulus by abdominal CT. Surgery revealed a 20 cm length of the closed-loop that had rotated in a counter-clockwise rotation. A right hemicolectomy with colonic fixation was subsequently performed; early diagnosis enabled this procedure to be performed in a timely fashion. This case demonstrates the need for clinicians to consider cecal volvulus as a possible cause of acute abdomen. Performing abdominal CT studies in such patients may enable early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention.     

After the honeymoon comes divorce: long-term use of the antegrade continence enema procedure

Background

Having reported that 18% of children discontinue use of the antegrade continence enema (ACE) after 5 years, we aimed to determine long-term use after an ACE procedure.

Methods

A postal/telephone questionnaire was conducted. Subjects were consecutive children undergoing an ACE between 1993 and 1999. Outcome measures were use of ACE, reasons for nonuse, complications, and overall satisfaction.

Results

Of 84 eligible subjects, data were available on 61 (73%) aged 22.4 years (15.5-35.1 years). Underlying diagnoses included spina bifida (n = 27), anorectal malformations (n = 18), constipation (n = 11), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 1), sacral agenesis (n = 2), and trauma/tumor (n = 2). Follow-up was 11.02 years (8.34-14.39 years). Thirty-six (59%) of 61 patients were still using their ACE. Reasons for nonuse were lack of effectiveness (n = 14), complications (n = 5), psychologic issues (n = 2), and poor compliance (n = 2). There was no association between diagnosis and nonuse (χ², P = .63). In those still using ACE, the overall satisfaction score was 4.1 (1-5). Several individuals reported feeling abandoned on becoming adults and losing the support they had in childhood.

Conclusion

There is a late “failure” rate for the ACE procedure. However, satisfaction was high among those still using the ACE. This study further emphasizes the need for robust transitional care arrangements.     

Laparoscopic cecopexy for mobile cecum syndrome manifesting as cecal volvulus: Report of a case

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for investigation and treatment of sudden abdominal pain and distention. Plain abdominal radiography and abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings were suggestive of sigmoid volvulus. She underwent an emergency colonoscopy, and the scope passed easily through the sigmoid colon and reached the ascending colon quickly. However, stenosis with concentricity of the fold was observed in the cecum, which was shifted upward and to the left. Based on these findings, we diagnosed cecal volvulus caused by mobile cecum syndrome. The patient’s symptoms resolved quickly after colonoscopic reduction and elective laparoscopic surgery was performed 18 days after admission. Perioperative examination revealed a mobile cecum caused by an elongated ascending colon. We sutured the cecum and ascending colon to the lateral peritoneum laparoscopically with interrupted sutures. The patient recovered well and was discharged on postoperative day 7. An unfixed intestine can be detected easily during laparoscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive and cosmetically, physically, and economically beneficial. Thus, we recommend laparoscopic cecopexy for mobile cecum syndrome.     

Laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure for fecal incontinence in a patient with spina bifida

We report a laparoscopic procedure for antegrade continence enema (LACE) that was performed successfully in 39-year-old man patient with spina bifida suffering from severe fecal incontinence. The patient had been receiving regular follow-up at our clinic. He desired the antegrade continence enema procedure to improve his intractable fecal incontinence with a less invasive procedure. Following the placement of the first port at the umbilicus using an open access technique, two additional ports were introduced at the upper and lower abdomen in the midline. The appendix was laparoscopically mobilized to the right lower abdomen and brought out through another port. Next, an in situ appendicocutaneostomy was created. The patient began oral intake the day after surgery. Initial irrigation was performed on the second postoperative day. Convalescence was quick and there were no postoperative complications. Although a minor skin incision was required afterward for superficial stoma stenosis, the patient has been in a satisfactory condition with regular enemas. Laparoscopic appendicocutaneostomy can be a reasonable surgical alternative for antegrade continence stoma procedure. LACE has a clear advantage over conventional open procedures in view of its less invasive nature and better cosmetic results.     

Treatment of resistant distal intestinal obstruction syndrome with a modified antegrade continence enema procedure

We report a case of a patient with CF who had a long history of recurrent distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. She had been treated with conventional treatment including gastrografin, n-acetyl cysteine, Klean prep and Picolax. She underwent a modified antegrade continence enema procedure. She currently irrigates her conduit every 2-3 days. She has had no further symptoms of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome.