Laparoscopic antegrade continence enema using a two-port technique

BACKGROUND: The antegrade continence enema is an effective method of treatment of fecal incontinence. We report our experience of a laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure and describe a simple approach to this procedure using a two-port technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 3-year period, 12 children with intractable constipation and fecal soiling underwent the antegrade continence enema procedure laparoscopically. All cases had full bowel preparation the day before surgery. This procedure was done through one 5-mm camera port and two 5-mm working ports in 8 cases, and using the camera port and only one additional 5-mm working port in 4 cases. The appendix was used in 5 cases and the cecum in 3 cases with the threeport technique while the appendix was used in all 4 cases with the two-port technique. The appendix or cecum was delivered extracorporeally through the 5-mm port site in the right lower quadrant. The mucocutaneous anastomosis was stented using a gastrostomy button. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2004, 12 children (10 male, 2 female) underwent a laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure at a median age of 10.5 years (range, 7-14 years). This procedure was easy to perform and no case required conversion to an open procedure. The wash-outs via the MIC-KEY gastrostomy button (MIC-KEY, Kimberly-Clark) were commenced at a median of 3.5 days (range, 1-5 days). Median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-5 days). This procedure was effective in completely resolving fecal incontinence in 9 cases and partially resolving it in 3 cases. There were no episodes of stomal stenosis, leakage, or herniation. However, one case required a revision of antegrade continence enema due to wound breakdown and leakage of irrigation fluid around the stoma. The median follow-up period was 15.5 months (range, 5-32 months). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic technique is a simple and effective approach in creating an antegrade continence enema. The use of a gastrostomy button can potentially reduce some of the complications commonly associated with an antegrade continence enema. We describe a procedure that incorporates the advantages of both laparoscopy and a button device, which is simple and easy to perform using just two ports.     

Laparoscopic antegrade continent enema through VQ stoma skin flaps using two ports: Long-term follow-up

PURPOSE: To introduce a simple technique for laparoscopic appendicostomy using two ports through "V" and quadrilateral "Q"-shaped skin flaps to create antegrade continent enemas in children with a neuropathic bowel incontinence or intractable constipation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic appendicostomy was performed in 19 children through a V-shaped skin flap at McBurney's point. The first port was inserted into the peritoneal cavity under direct vision, and the second port was inserted after peritoneal insufflation. The appendix was brought to the abdominal surface, and its distal tip was resected and intubated. The spatulated appendix was used to create an anastomosis to the V-shaped skin flap. The appendix was then covered by a quadrilateral skin flap. RESULTS: All patients were discharged from the hospital within 3 days (range 1-3 days) after surgery with a catheter in place. An irrigation regimen was initiated 3 weeks after surgery. All but one patient became continent without constipation and diaper free. The duration of follow-up ranged from 15 to 54 months (mean 35.8 months). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic antegrade continent enema through the VQ stoma skin flaps using two ports ensures rapid recovery, an excellent cosmetic appearance, and minimal complications in long-term follow-up. This is the first report of this technique, which shows promising results in stoma reconstruction.     

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.     

The Malone Antegrade Continence Enema Procedure in the Management of Patients with Spina Bifida

Background: In patients with spina bifida, traditional bowel management programs such as suppositories, retrograde enemas, and manual disimpaction have been largely unsatisfactory. The Malone antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure has largely changed our approach to bowel management in this patient group.

Study Design: Over a 3-year period between January 1994 and January 1997, 27 patients with spina bifida underwent the Malone ACE procedure at our institutions. At the time of their ACE procedure, four patients underwent simultaneous continent urinary diversion and three had simultaneous small-bowel bladder augmentation. All the patients were evaluated for 9 months or more after their procedure, and 10 of the patients have been followed for more than 2 years.

Results: Postoperatively, predictable bowel control and continence were achieved in 19 of the 27 patients, but 6 had some rectal soiling requiring a sanitary pad. All patients were out of diapers and none reported stomal leakage. Eighteen of the 27 patients were able to manage independently and 9 required assistance. Two patients had stopped using their ACE stoma despite good technical results. The appendix was used as a catheterizable stoma in 15 of the 27 patients. The appendix was not available in 12 patients, so a tubularized cecal flap was used in 9 and a small-bowel neoappendix was created in 3. Complications included stomal stenosis in 5 patients, cecal-flap necrosis in 1, and stomal granulations in 3.

Conclusions: We believe that the ACE procedure provides reliable colonic emptying and avoids fecal soiling in the majority of individuals, and we find it widely and enthusiastically accepted by patients with spina bifida.     

Urinary Reconstruction Using Appendix as a Urinary and Catheterizable Conduit in 12 Patients

Background The appendix vermiformis can. provide an excellent urinary conduit or a catheterizable outlet in continent urinary reservoirs in selected cases. We report our clinical experience using the appendix in urinary reconstruction in adult patients.
Methods A total of 12 patients underwent urinary reconstruction using the appendix. The indications were pelvic malignancies except for 1 patient with neurogenic bladder and difficulty in self-catheterization via urethra. The appendix was used as a catheterizable conduit in 8 patients, and as a urinary conduit in 4 patients. The in situ submucosally embedded method was used in 6 patients and the Mitrofanoff method was used in 2 patients. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 41 months (mean, 22).
Results Early complications occurred in 3 patients (wound infection, false passage and intestinal anasotomotic leak). Late complications occurred in 3 (slight hydronephrosis, ileus, stomal stenosis). Emergent colostomy and pouchstomy with resection of the appendix was performed in the patient with anastomotic leak. The isoperistaltic Kock nipple valve was reconstructed for continence in this case. Prolonged ileus in 1 patient was treated by open surgery. Other complications were managed conservatively. End results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 3, and poor in 1.
Conclusions The appendix can be used advantageously as an outlet of continent urinary reservoirs or for a urinary conduit when the ureter is too short to reach the skin. Complete continence and easy catheterization can be obtained, and the appendix construction can be used as a urinary conduit instead of the ileal conduit in poor risk patients.     

The colon flap/extension Malone antegrade continence enema: an alternative to the Monti-Malone antegrade continence enema

PURPOSE: In situations where the appendix is not available for the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure a Yang-Monti channel or a colon flap conduit can be created. We report our experience with colonic flap conduits used for the MACE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 169 MACE procedures were performed between February 1997 and March 2003. In 11 patients 12 colon flaps or cecal extensions were used to construct the MACE conduit. Diagnoses included myelomeningocele (8 patients), caudal regression (1), sacral agenesis (1) and gunshot wound (1). Mean age at creation of MACE was 11.3 years (range 4.4 to 16.9). Seven cecal flaps, 1 descending colon flap and 4 cecal extension flaps were created. RESULTS: Average followup was 22.8 months (range 2.6 to 34.6). Indications for colon flap MACE were appendicovesicostomy (6 patients), short appendix (2), shortened mesentery (1), retrocecal appendix (1), prior appendectomy (1) and right hemicolectomy (1). Initially all patients easily catheterized and flushed the MACE once daily. All 11 patients achieved fecal continence. Complications occurred in 3 cases. One obese patient could not visualize the umbilical stoma and it stenosed, requiring conversion to a spiral Monti-MACE. One patient with a cecal extension had development of a false passage, resulting in complete channel stenosis. One patient had development of stomal leakage, which was successfully treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection. CONCLUSIONS: A colon flap MACE conduit is a simple technique to provide access to the colon for irrigation. When faced with situations were the appendix is not available for the MACE procedure the colon flap can be a good option.     

The antegrade continence enema successfully treats idiopathic slow-transit constipation

Background

Antegrade continence enemas (ACEs) are successful for constipation and/or fecal incontinence caused by anorectal malformations or spina bifida but have been thought to be less successful in the treatment for patients with colonic dysmotility. We studied the long-term efficacy of ACE in a large group of patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation (STC).

Methods

We identified 56 children with an appendicostomy for ACE with radiologically proven STC. An independent investigator (SKK) performed confidential telephone interviews.

Results

We assessed 42 of 56 children (31 boys) of mean age 13.1 years (range, 6.9-25). Mean follow-up was at 48 months (range, 3-118). Mean symptom duration before appendicostomy was 7.5 years (range, 1.4-17.4). Indications for appendicostomy were soiling (29/42), inadequate stool evacuation (7/42), and recurrent hospital admissions for nasogastric washouts (6/42). Both quality of life (Templeton quality of life [P < .0001]) and continence (modified Holschneider continence score [P < .0001]) improved with ACE. Soiling frequency decreased in 32 of 42 (11/32 completely continent). Thirty-seven of 42 children had reduced abdominal pain severity (P < .0001) and frequency (P < .0001). Complications included granulation tissue (33/42), stomal infection (18/42), and washout leakage (16/42). Fifteen of 42 children ceased using the appendicostomy (7/15 symptoms resolved). Thirty-five of 42 families felt that their aspirations had been met.

Conclusions

Antegrade continence enemas were successful in 34 (81%) of 42 children with STC, contradicting views that ACEs are less effective in patients with colonic dysmotility.     

Long-term followup of the intussuscepted ileal nipple and the in situ, submucosally embedded appendix as continence mechanisms of continent urinary diversion with the cutaneous ileocecal pouch (Mainz pouch I)

PURPOSE: We analyzed stoma related complications and continence rates in patients who underwent continent urinary diversion with the cutaneous ileocecal pouch (Mainz pouch I). We compared the intussuscepted ileal nipple and in situ, submucosally embedded appendix as continence mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 401 patients were included in a retrospective followup study. Continence mechanisms were the intussuscepted ileal nipple in 205 patients and the in situ, submucosally embedded appendix in 196. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients (36%) required intervention for a stomal complication. Of patients who received an intussuscepted ileal nipple 34 (17%) had stomal stenosis at a mean time to first stenosis of 43.8 months, 41 (20%) had stones at a mean interval to the first stone of 62.8 months, 12 underwent reoperation for stomal incontinence, including 1 because of nipple necrosis, and 82% were completely continent. Of patients who received an in situ, submucosally embedded appendix 63 (32%) had stomal stenosis at a mean time to first stenosis of 31.4 months, 20 (10%) had stones at a mean interval to the first stone of 47.5 months, 3 underwent reoperation for stomal incontinence, 4 had appendiceal necrosis and 92% were completely continent. CONCLUSIONS: Of stomal complications 63% were treated endoscopically. The higher rate of stomal stenosis with the appendiceal stoma is most likely due to the smaller diameter of the appendix. The higher rate of stone formation in patients with the intussuscepted ileal nipple is related to metal staples. Continence rates of the 2 outlets are good with somewhat larger amounts of mucous secretion from the larger stoma of the intussuscepted ileal nipple.     

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.     

Modified technique of antegrade continence enema using a stapling device

PURPOSE: We present a stapling technique for constructing an antegrade continence enema (ACE) conduit that is helpful in cases of insufficient appendiceal luminal length or when a concomitant appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma is required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 6 patients with a mean age of 9.5 years who required an ACE procedure the cecum was tubularized in continuation with the orthotopic appendix at its base, using a stapling device to construct an ACE conduit. The tubularized segment was imbricated with permanent suture material. In 3 cases appendiceal length after tubularization was sufficient to allow splitting for the concomitant creation of an appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma. RESULTS: Patients have been followed an average of 16.5 months. Stomal continence was achieved in all cases as well as reliable catheterization of the appendiceal cecostomy in 6 and the Mitrofanoff conduit in 3. CONCLUSIONS: This modification of the ACE procedure with cecal tubularization in continuation with the appendix using a stapling device is an excellent approach in cases of inadequate appendiceal length. It successfully creates a catheterizable stoma with a reliable flap valve continence mechanism. The complex reconstructive procedure is simplified by eliminating the need to use tapered small intestine, while allowing the creation of a concomitant appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma as necessary.     

Left-colon antegrade continence enema (LACE) procedure for fecal incontinence

Purpose: Antegrade continence enemas (ACE) are an efficacious therapeutic option for patients with fecal incontinence. The authors review their institution’s experience with a variation of the Monti-Malone ACE procedure using the left colon as a source of an intestinal conduit and enema reservoir.Methods: From 2000 to 2002, 18 patients with fecal incontinence or intractable constipation underwent left-colon ACE (LACE) procedure. Concomitant Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy was performed in 15 patients and bladder augmentation in 9. The majority of patients had neural tube defects. A segment of left colon was tubularized, tunneled into the muscular wall of the distal colon, and exteriorized through the left upper quadrant or midabdomen. Stomal catherization and enema installation were started one month postoperatively.Results: Fifteen patients (83%) achieved fecal continence, 2 remain incontinent of stool, and 1 experienced stomal closure (mean follow-up was 24 ± 9 months). Two patients had stomal stenosis that required revision. The mean enema volume in patient’s achieving continence was 360 ± 216 mL, and the mean transit time was 18 ± 12 minutes.Conclusions: LACE is an efficacious procedure for fecal incontinence that can be performed safely at the time of major urologic reconstruction. Administration of enemas into the left colon has several physiologic advantages that result in predictable bowel evacuation.     

Colonic tubes for the antegrade continence enema: comparison of surgical technique

PURPOSE: The Malone antegrade continence enema has revolutionized the management of intractable fecal incontinence and constipation. When the appendix is absent, surgical options are limited. Small series with short-term followup have demonstrated the feasibility but not the reliability of the continent colonic tube. We present our experience with a lateral based colonic tube. We also compared lateral based colonic tubes to medial based tubes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients treated with a continent colonic tube for intractable fecal incontinence were reviewed. We identified 8 patients who underwent the procedure between July 2000 and February 2003. The literature was reviewed to compare lateral vs medial based tubes. RESULTS: Average followup was 28 months (range 10 to 41). Stomal stenosis developed in 4 patients (50%) within 3 to 6 months of surgery. Passive dilation at the clinic corrected the problem in 3 patients and 1 required operative stomal revision. All 8 patients reported almost complete relief of rectal incontinence and constipation. A literature review demonstrated a significantly higher rate of stomal stenosis in lateral vs medial based colonic tubes (40% vs 12%). CONCLUSIONS: The continent colonic tube is a safe and effective alternative in patients with refractory fecal incontinence and constipation who do not have an available appendix. These results appear durable during the described period. We believe that this technique is an alternative to the cecostomy button and it should be offered to suitable patients. The lateral based colonic tube appears to have a higher rate of stomal stenosis than medial based colonic tubes, which may be attributed to the local blood supply of the colon.     

ANTEGRADE CONTINENCE ENEMA FOR THE TREATMENT OF FECAL INCONTINENCE IN ADULTS: USE OF GASTRIC TUBE FOR CATHETERIZABLE ACCESS TO THE DESCENDING COLON

PURPOSE: We describe the use of a gastric segment in performing the antegrade continence enema procedure in patients with refractory fecal incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antegrade continence enema procedure was performed in 4 women and 3 men with refractory neurogenic fecal incontinence. Preoperative evaluation included defecography and anorectal manometry. Operative technique involves tunneling a 10 cm. segment of tubularized stomach isolated along the greater curve with preservation of the right gastroepiploic vessels through the anterior tenia of the colon just distal to the splenic flexure. After the stoma is mature the patient passes a catheter and runs 1 to 2 l. warm tap water through it while seated on the toilet. Digital stimulation may be required to initiate bowel emptying and irrigation is continued until clear. RESULTS: Creation of a nonrefluxing catheterizable gastric tube to the descending colon was successful in all 7 patients. At a mean postoperative followup of 22.4 months all patients are continent and use antegrade continence enema irrigation every other day on average. One patient required early revision because of stomal stenosis. Special measures include application of a generic antacid tablet to the stoma and use of a skin barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Catheterizable access to the descending colon for the antegrade continence enema procedure more closely approximates normal defecation patterns by emptying ("unloading") the left side of the colon. The stomach is a suitable option in close proximity for this purpose and is especially advantageous when the appendix is not available. The antegrade continence enema procedure using a gastric segment can be safely and effectively performed, and is well suited for use by reconstructive surgeons who are familiar with the Mitrofanoff principle.     

Continent catheterizable conduits: which stoma, which conduit and which reservoir?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of the various methods used in creating continent catheterizable conduits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case notes were reviewed from 89 patients who underwent the formation of 112 continent catheterizable conduits. RESULTS: Sixty-five conduits were Mitrofanoff and 47 were antegrade colonic enema (ACE); 21 patients had both. At a mean follow-up of 34 months, 95 (85%) conduits were still in use. There was no difference in complications between the Mitrofanoff and ACE conduits; 109 (97%) conduits were continent and stomal stenosis occurred 35 (31%). There was no significant difference relating to the conduit used, the reservoir, the stoma type or the stoma site. Only 39% of patients required no revisional surgery. CONCLUSION: Although urinary and fecal continence can be achieved in most patients there is a high burden of complications and revisional surgery. All patients should be counselled accordingly.     

The Hadera continent reservoir: a new appendico-umbilical continent stoma mechanism for urinary diversion

PURPOSE: Creating a reliable continence mechanism for a continent reservoir is a great challenge. We describe an easily formed mechanism for allowing complete continence in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The native appendix attached to a detubularized right colonic reservoir was used as the catheterizable efferent limb. The continence mechanism was created by crossing 2 nondetached right rectus muscle strips around the appendix. RESULTS: At a mean followup of 32 months (range 4 to 52) in 17 patients complete continence was obtained between 2 to 4-hour self-catheterizations in all positions and even during straining. CONCLUSIONS: This continence mechanism is easy to construct and creates a reliable continent stoma in all patients who are not candidates for orthotopic bladder replacement and who retain the native appendix. In patients who have undergone appendectomy an alternate method is to create a small caliber efferent limb from a tailored terminal ileum and build the continence mechanism around it.     

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Mitrofanoff Appendicovesicostomy Technique and Outcomes of Extravesical and Intravesical Approaches

Background

With growing experience in pediatric robotic surgery, select centers are now performing robot-assisted, laparoscopic Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy (RALMA).

Objective

We present our technique and outcomes of RALMA with or without enterocystoplasties and compare stomal outcomes between two different approaches of the appendicovesical anastomosis: an extravesical (EV) anterior bladder approach and an intravesical (IV) posterior bladder approach.

Design, setting, and participants

Data from 18 children who have undergone RALMA since 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. RALMA was performed by one surgeon in an academic setting.

Surgical procedure

The appendix was anastomosed on the posterior wall of the bladder intravesically when concomitant enterocystoplasty was done. Otherwise, the appendix was anastomosed extravesically on the anterior wall of the bladder.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The primary outcome measured was the overall continence rate. Secondary outcomes included the overall complication rate and stomal complications.

Results and limitations

The entire cohort included 18 patients (10 IV, 8 EV). The mean overall operative time was 494.1 min. The mean overall length of hospitalization was 5.2 d. There were five immediate, postoperative complications (all Clavien grade 1): three postoperative ilea, one stomal site infection, and one clogged suprapubic catheter. Median follow-up was 24.2 mo. The overall stomal continence rate was 94.4%. One patient from the IV group required dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer for stomal incontinence. Among the eight patients in the EV cohort, there was one stomal complication of stomal stenosis (Clavien grade 1). Among the 10 patients in the IV cohort, there were two stomal complications requiring revisions (both Clavien grade 3): parastomal hernia and stomal stenosis. Limitations of the study include retrospective design, small number of patients, and lack of direct comparison of approaches given the nature of the surgery.

Conclusions

Our updated outcomes of RALMA with or without enterocystoplasty continue to be encouraging, with a 94.4% continence rate. We believe that anterior EV reimplantation is a feasible option in isolated RALMA.     

Treatment of severe chronic constipation through the antegrade continent enema procedure

The antegrade continent enema procedure was first described in 1990 by Malone for the treatment of severe fecal neurogenic incontinence in children. Since then, this technique has been successfully carried out in adults, as well as in patients with refractory constipation. The procedure provides a continent and catheterizable channel, generally an appendicostomy, through which antegrade washouts are given to produce colonic emptying. We describe the case of a 23-year-old man with severe constipation and overflow fecal incontinence who underwent an appendicostomy. There were no immediate postoperative complications and saline washouts were started on the fourth day. Since then, the patient has had a bowel movement between 1 and 3 hours after each washout, has recovered continence, and no longer wears an absorbent pad.     

A high easy-to-treat complication rate is the price for a continent stoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the conduit-related complications and their treatment in Mitrofanoff continent urinary diversion and antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The files of 53 patients (18 men and 35 women) in whom 58 continent stomas were created were retrospectively reviewed. Gender, age, age at the time of surgery, underlying disease, concomitant surgery, abdominal position of the stoma, follow-up, complications and treatment were assessed. The mean (sd) age at the time of surgery was 19 (13) years; 30 patients were aged <15 years and the mean follow-up was 2.8 (1.9) years. Fifty-three continent vesicostomy-type Mitrofanoff stomas were constructed and five ACE procedures performed. Forty-five stomas were in the umbilicus and 13 on the abdominal wall. For 45 conduits the appendix was used; in the other 13 a transverse tubularized ileal segment according to Monti was created. RESULTS: There were stoma-related complications in 19 patients (36%), with 27 in all and stomal stenosis accounting for more than half. Five patients had urinary leakage. The median time to the first complication was 9 months. Multiple regression analysis showed that gender and stoma location were the only significant determinants of the complication/follow-up ratio. Women had more complications than men and umbilical stomas fared worse than those on the abdominal wall. Age, underlying disease and type of stoma were not significantly related to the complication/follow-up ratio. The complication was treated by one procedure in 13 patients; four needed two and two needed three surgical revisions. Most complications were relatively easy to treat, i.e. dilatation in five, endoscopic incision in one, re-anastomosis in four, Y-V plasty in seven, a new channel in two, reimplantation in three, a bladder cuff in two for stomal leakage, and abdominoplasty in two. Only one stoma had to be abandoned. CONCLUSION: The complication rate for continent small-diameter stoma is high. However, most complications are relatively easy to treat. Despite these complications, patient satisfaction remains high.     

Appendicostomy stomas and antegrade colonic irrigation after laparoscopic antegrade continence enema

BACKGROUND: Children with spina bifida, high anorectal anomalies, or neuronal intestinal dysplasia who are treated with a laparoscopic antegrade continence enema to achieve a socially acceptable level of fecal continence sometimes have problems with the stoma and its catheterization. The goal of this study was to determine the nature and incidence of these problems, and their relationship to the underlying condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the hospital case notes of 74 consecutive patients who had a laparoscopic antegrade continence enema was undertaken. RESULTS: The laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure is well tolerated but is associated with a variety of usually minor complications including stomal stenosis, leakage, peristomal infection, granulation tissue overgrowth, mucosal prolapse, abdominal discomfort during irrigation, appendiceal false passage, and ineffective irrigation. Surgical revision of the stoma was required in 19% of the cases in this study, usually because of stenosis and skin overgrowth. Ongoing problems achieving colonic emptying were most likely to occur in patients with an anorectal malformation. CONCLUSION: Overall, the laparoscopic antegrade continence enema provides an effective method of facilitating emptying of the bowel. However, it has a high incidence of minor troublesome problems, with stenosis and skin overgrowth of the stoma being the most common. Younger children tend to have more complications and difficulty performing effective irrigation. Children with anorectal malformations were more likely to require surgical revision of the stoma, and often needed ongoing manual evacuation and bowel washouts despite the laparoscopic antegrade continence enema.     

Initial Use of LESS for the ACE Malone Procedure in Children

The Malone antegrade continence enema is effective in improving fecal continence in neurogenic bowel. We were able to perform this procedure laparoscopically via a single incision in a patient with spina bifida and fecal incontinence who did not require bladder reconstruction.