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.     

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.     

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.     

Outcomes following Malone antegrade continence enema and their surgical revisions

Background/Purpose

The Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) channel is an effective means to manage patients with neurogenic bowel; however, complications may occur that may require surgical revision. Specific reports of the outcomes of these interventions are limited. We describe our clinical results following revision of MACE.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients undergoing MACE revision for at our institution between 1997 and 2009. Type of MACE (in situ appendicocecostomy (AC = 247), ileocecostomy (IC = 25), cecal flap (CF = 10)) performed was recorded, time from creation to revision, site of revision, and need for repeat surgical revision were recorded.

Results

Of a total of 282 patients that underwent creation of MACE during the study period, 49 patients (17%) required surgical revision. Of these 49 patients, 42 had undergone AC, four had IC and three had CF. Mean time from MACE creation to revision was 19 months. Sixty-eight revision procedures were performed in the 49 patients. Skin level or endoscopic procedures accounted for 52/67 (78%) procedures. Sixteen patients (33%) required more than one revision and three patients (6%) required more than two procedures.

Conclusions

Skin level revisions accounted for over three-fourths of MACE revisions. In our series, two thirds of patients requiring revision required only a single procedure, but one third required more than one revision.     

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.     

Acute intestinal obstruction as a presentation of cystic fibrosis in infancy

Intestinal obstruction and dysmotility occur throughout life in cystic fibrosis but rarely present as an acute obstruction beyond the neonatal period. We describe the previously unreported occurrence of acute obstruction of the sigmoid colon as a presenting feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) in a 6-month infant.     

Colpo-wrap: a new continence procedure

OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical method to increase bladder outlet resistance for the treatment of urinary incontinence in girls and women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients (mean age 9.6 years), with urinary incontinence were operated using the new technique within the last 3 years. The principle of the procedure is tightening of the bladder neck by mobilizing the anterior vaginal wall and wrapping it around the bladder neck and proximal urethra, in the sense of a vaginoplication (colpoplication). The underlying conditions and causes for urinary incontinence was neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction caused by myelodysplasia in three girls and anorectal malformation combined with a tethered spinal cord in one. In one case incontinence was caused by a cloacal anomaly and one girl had intrinsic sphincter insufficiency after repetitive Otis urethrotomies. The colpo-wrap was combined with a bladder augmentation and Mitrofanoff in three patients, the three other girls undergoing isolated procedures. RESULTS: The result of the method is a constant increase in outlet resistance and coaptation of the urethra, comparable with the effect of a vaginal sling procedure. Five patients are completely dry after surgery, one girl with cloaca needed an additional bladder neck injection with hyaluranon/dextranomer copolymer. Transurethral catheterization was possible after surgery with no problems in all patients who required intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSION: Considering the feasibility of this technique the colpo-wrap is a reasonable alternative for treating urinary incontinence in females.     

Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome: an important differential diagnosis for abdominal pain in patients with cystic fibrosis

As life expectancy for those with cystic fibrosis (CF) now exceeds 40 years of age, adult hospitals away from specialized CF services are being exposed more frequently to people with acute complications of CF. Well‐known manifestations of CF include pulmonary disease and pancreatic insufficiency with malabsorption. However, a less well‐known entity is distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS), which is an important cause of obstructive symptoms in people with CF that must be differentiated from other causes of bowel obstruction. However, one confounding factor is that adults with CF may have elements of both DIOS and mechanical bowel obstruction due to adhesions from previous operations. A recent tragic outcome in a young adult with CF highlights the need for all doctors, both junior and senior, especially those who are not directly involved in day‐to‐day CF care, to understand the features of DIOS and the appropriate management, which differs from that of a mechanical bowel obstruction. This review aims to highlight the clinical and pathophysiological features of DIOS, differentiate it from other causes of bowel obstruction and contrast management strategies. Improved knowledge of DIOS will help to facilitate appropriate recognition and permit optimal, multidisciplinary management of this CF complication.     

Turcot syndrome with colonic obstruction and small intestinal invagination: Report of a case

We report herein the case of a 16-year-old boy diagnosed as having turcot syndrome, otherwise known as glioma-polyposis syndrome. The patient was transferred from the Department of Neurosurgery where he was undergoing investigation of a brain tumor, to the Department of Medicine for investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms. The patient was diagnosed as having Turcot syndrome, and was then transferred to the Department of Surgery for treatment of an obstruction in the sigmoid colon and small intestinal invagination. A subtotal colectomy with side-to-end ileoproctostomy and release of the invaginations was carried out. Multiple polyps were found in the colon, two of which, including a large polyp that obstructed the colonic lumen, were confirmed histologically to be adenocarcinoma. The remaining polyps were adenomas. A biopsy of the brain tumor confirmed a diagnosis of astrocytoma (WHO grade II). This case report describes the characteristic features of Turcot syndrome presented by this patient.     

肠梗阻患者行肠镜检查前清洁灌肠方法的改进

目的提高肠梗阻患者清洁灌肠的效果。方法将71例肠梗阻行肠镜检查的患者随机分成实验组与对照组,实验组患者取膝胸卧位,采用14F吸痰管作为肛管,插入5~7 cm,进行清洁灌肠;对照组患者采用传统的清洁灌肠方法。结果实验组肠道清洁度有明显改善,灌肠次数、灌肠总液量较对照组减少(P<0.05)。结论肠梗阻患者膝胸卧位可有效提高清洁灌肠的效果。     

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.     

结直肠癌并急性肠梗阻31例治疗分析

目的探讨结直肠癌并急性肠梗阻的外科治疗原则和方法。方法回顾性分析我院1999年1月～2009年12月收治的31例合并急性肠梗阻的结直肠癌临床资料。结果术中出现并发症8例（25.8%）,其中切口感染3例,切口裂开1例,腹腔感染1例,肺部感染2例,1例死亡,其余痊愈出院,无一例发生吻合口瘘。结论结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻多属中晚期,手术是解除梗阻的有效方法,术式选择应根据病变部位和病情而定,做好围手术期处理是减少并发症、降低病死率的关键。     

绞窄性肠梗阻与全身炎性反应综合征相关性分析

目的探讨绞窄性肠梗阻与全身炎性反应综合征(SIRS)的关系。方法回顾性分析42例肠梗阻手术病人的临床资料。结果SIRS诊断绞窄性肠梗阻的敏感性为81.8%;特异性为85%。SIRS判断肠坏死的敏感性为95.2%;特异性为76.2%。绞窄性肠梗阻患者的白细胞明显高于单纯肠梗阻[(12.3±3.6)×109/L对(8.5±3.6)×109/L,P=0.242],心率也明显升高[(106.1±21.2)次/分对(82.3±15.1)次/分,P=0.0137]。肠坏死者的白细胞明显高于无肠坏死者[(13.4±2.9)×109/L对(9.0±2.0)×109/L,P=0.0162]。SIRS阳性者坏死肠段明显长于SIRS阴性者[(86.24±22.3)cm对5.8cm,P=0.0049]。结论SIRS能够提示肠梗阻出现肠绞窄。     

Wilkie’s syndrome: an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction

A 10-year-old boy presented with 9 months history of gradually worsening, recurrent postprandial upper abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and loss of weight. On examination the child was undernourished, had epigastric fullness and succusion splash was positive. Ultrasonography of the abdomen suggested a massively distended stomach, while an upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed a hugely dilated stomach along with dilated first and second parts of the duodenum with abrupt cut off at the level of third part of duodenum. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed dilatation of the second part of the duodenum without any obvious abnormality of the aorta-superior mesenteric artery angle. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed retained fluid and food material within a dilated stomach and second part of the duodenum; scope could not be negotiated into the third part because of an extrinsic compression. The child was diagnosed to be suffering from Wilkie’s syndrome. Exploratory laparotomy, performed when conservative management failed, revealed compression of the third part of duodenum by a shortened ligament of Trietz and dense peritoneal bands near the third part of duodenum. The duodenal obstruction was bypassed by performing duodenojejunostomy. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery. He gained around 6.8 kilograms within next five months.     

Cecal volvulus: a report of two cases occurring after the antegrade colonic enema procedure

Background

Many children with chronic constipation and fecal incontinence have benefited from the antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedure. Routine antegrade colonic lavage often allows such children to avoid daytime soiling. This report describes 2 children in whom the ACE procedure was complicated by a cecal volvulus.

Methods

A retrospective review of 164 children with an ACE procedure was conducted. Two instances of cecal volvulus were identified.

Results

The first child presented with abdominal pain and difficulty intubating the ACE site. Over the subsequent day, his pain worsened, and radiographs depicted a colonic obstruction. At laparotomy, a cecal volvulus resulting in bowel necrosis was observed, and resection of the affected bowel and appendix (in the right lower quadrant) and end ileostomy was required. He subsequently had the stoma closed and a new ACE constructed with a colon flap. The second child presented with shock and evidence of an acute abdomen. At laparotomy, a cecal volvulus was noted, and ileocolic resection including the ACE stoma (located at the umbilicus) and an ileostomy and Hartmann pouch was performed. He had a protracted hospital course requiring ventilator and inotropic support. He currently is well and still has an ileostomy stoma.

Conclusions

A high index of suspicion for a potentially life-threatening cecal volvulus should be maintained in children undergoing an ACE procedure who present with abdominal pain, evidence of bowel obstruction, or difficulty in advancing the ACE irrigation catheter.     

腹部手术后早期肠梗阻42例临床分析

目的探讨腹部手术后早期肠梗阻的诊断和治疗措施。方法回顾性分析42例腹部手术后早期肠梗阻的临床病例资料。结果42例患者全部治愈。其中31例腹部术后早期炎性肠梗阻及8例麻痹性肠梗阻采用非手术疗法,平均治愈时间为10．3d,无一例发生肠绞窄。3例机械性肠梗阻采用手术治疗,平均治愈时间为16．5d。结论腹部术后早期炎性肠梗阻及麻痹性肠梗阻采取以非手术治疗为主的治疗方案,可缩短治疗时间,减少并发症,从而达到良好的临床效果。对于少数存在机械性肠梗阻的患者,应及时手术治疗。依据肠梗阻类型选择合理的治疗方法,准确掌握手术指征是治疗术后早期肠梗阻的关键。     

Long-term intestinal obstruction sequelae and growth in children with cystic fibrosis operated for meconium ileus: expectancies and surprises

Background/purpose

In the few studies on intestinal complications and growth of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with a history of meconium ileus (MI), operated MI has not been investigated separately. We aimed to investigate the incidence of long-term intestinal obstruction sequelae [constipation, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS)] and growth in CF patients operated for MI.