Laparoscopic placement of the Chait cecostomy device via appendicostomy

Assessment of pediatric Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) complications: Effects of variations in technique

OBJECTIVE

The Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure is performed for patients with fecal incontinence and constipation who do not respond to medical therapy. The MACE procedure provides antegrade catheter access to the right colon and allows administration of enemas to help evacuate the bowel regularly. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for surgical complications in children who undergo the MACE procedure.

METHOD

Records from 97 pediatric patients who underwent MACE procedure were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included age, sex, weight (obese/not obese), stomal location, presence of a permanent button/catheter in the stoma, open vs. laparoscopic surgery, and etiology of fecal incontinence/constipation. The complications reviewed included stomal stenosis, leakage, and stomal site infection. The relationships between the independent variables and complications were assessed using chi-square tests and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Overall, 66 (68%) patients had at least one complication. Twenty-three (23.7%) patients developed stomal stenosis, and 27 (27.8%) patients had significant stomal leakage. Insertion of a stomal button/catheter device was associated with an increased risk of developing stomal leakage and stomal infection. The presence of a stomal button/catheter was also associated with a decreased risk of stomal stenosis (Figure). The non-intubated, imbricated sub-population, preteen patients (<12 years old) experienced more stomal leakage than teenage patients. In this subgroup, patients with umbilical stomas also experienced more leakage than patients with right lower quadrant (RLQ) stomas.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rates of stomal complications in our study were consistent with previously reported series. In our study, however, stomal leakage had a higher prevalence in comparison with stomal stenosis. This seems to be related to the heterogeneity of the study group, which contained two variants of the MACE procedure; non-imbricated, intubated MACE and imbricated, non-intubated MACE. The use of stomal buttons in conjunction with MACE has previously been reported without changes in complication rates. We found the use of stomal buttons/catheters to be associated with changes in the prevalence of stomal complications. Stomal complications are common in the MACE procedure. The use of a permanent stomal button/catheter is associated with changes in the rates of stomal complications. While many find an umbilical stomal site is more cosmetically appealing, there is an increased risk of leakage with imbricated, non-intubated stomas. In the non-intubated, imbricated sub-population, the MACE procedure results in a higher risk of stomal leakage in preteen patients in comparison with teenage patients.

Transabdominal electrical stimulation (TES) for the treatment of slow-transit constipation (STC)

Slow-transit constipation (STC) is a newly described subtype of intractable constipation in children which we originally identified with deficiency of substance P in axons supplying the proximal colonic muscle. When nuclear transit studies became available, the patients were found to have slow proximal colonic transit, and responded to antegrade enemas. Using the appendicostomy, we found that there was reduced frequency in propagating sequences throughout the colon. We began testing whether transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) could improve motility and symptoms, and over several trials have now shown that TES is remarkably effective in treating children with STC, with long-lasting effects. TES holds promise for treating STC, as well as a range of gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Appendicostomy in preschool children with anorectal malformation: successful early bowel management with a high frequency of minor complications

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperatively bowel symptoms of antegrade colon enema through appendicostomies in preschool children with anorectal malformation (ARM). Method. 164 children with ARM operated on with posterior sagittal anorectal plasty were included. The malformations were classified according to Krickenbeck classification. Seventeen children in preschool age had an appendicostomy. The bowel symptoms according to the Krickenbeck follow-up were analysed pre- and postoperatively. All complications were registered. A questionnaire on the use of the appendicostomy was answered. Results. The median age (range) at the time of the appendicostomy was 4 (1–6) years. The observation time was 5 (0.5–14) years. The main indications for appendicostomy were incontinence and noncompliance to rectal enemas. Postoperatively there was a significant decrease in soiling and constipation (P < 0.001). The total complication rate was 43% with infections (29%), stenosis (12%), and retrograde leakage (0). The median time required for giving enema in the appendicostomy was 45 minutes (range: 15–120) once a day varying from 2 times/week to 3 times/day. And: complications are less frequent than in older children. Conclusion. Appendicostomy in preschool children with ARM is a way to achieve fecal cleanness before school start. The infection rate was high, but other complications are less frequent than in older children.

Gastrointestinal surgery in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Gastrointestinal conditions requiring surgical intervention are becoming increasingly frequent in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) as life expectancy increases. In addition, patients with CF are at risk of specific gastrointestinal complications associated with their disease. This includes distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS), which may affect up to 15% of patients, and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the nature and frequency of general surgical procedures undertaken in a large cohort of adult CF patients so as to guide future care.

DESIGN

The medical records of all surviving adult CF patients followed at a large tertiary referral centre in the UK were scrutinised and details retrieved on those who had undergone abdominal surgery after the age of 16 years.

RESULTS

A total of 377 patients with CF were identified from the prospectively held database. Thirty-three patients had undergone 43 abdominal operations. The median age at surgery was 22.7 years (range 16-58 years). The three most commonly performed operations were: surgery for DIOS (n=9); cholecystectomy (n=8) and fundoplication (n=6). A past history of surgically treated meconium ileus at birth was a significant risk factor for requiring surgery for DIOS as an adult.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of DIOS-related complications is one of the main reasons for abdominal surgery in the adult CF population. The general surgical community needs to be increasingly aware of the existence of disease-related gastrointestinal conditions in adult CF patients so that treatment can be optimised.

The impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy on appendicostomy operation rates for children with chronic constipation--a single-institution experience

PURPOSE

Appendicostomy for antegrade continence enema is a minimally invasive surgical intervention that has helped many children with chronic constipation. At our institution, since 2006, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) has been trialed to treat slow-transit constipation (STC) in children. This retrospective audit aimed to determine if TES use affected appendicostomy-formation rates and to monitor changes in practice. We hypothesized that appendicostomy rates have decreased for STC but not for other indications.

METHODS

Appendicostomy-formation rate was determined for the 5 years before and after 2006. Children were identified as STC or non-STC from nuclear transit scintigraphy and patient records.

RESULTS

Since 1999, 317 children were diagnosed with STC using nuclear transit scintigraphy with 121 during 2001 to 2005 (24.2/year) and 147 during 2006 to 2010 (29.4/year). Seventy-four children had appendicostomy formation. For 2001 to 2005, appendicostomy-formation rates for STC and non-STC children were similar: 5.4 per year (n = 27) and 4.8 per year (n = 24), respectively. For 2006 to 2010, appendicostomy-formation rates were 1.2 per year (n = 6) for STC and 3.2 per year (n = 16) for non-STC (χ(2), P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Since 2006, appendicostomy-formation rates have significantly reduced in STC but not in non-STC children at our institute, coinciding with the introduction of TES as an alternative treatment for STC. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has not been tested on non-STC children in this period.

Standard medical therapies do not alter colonic transit time in children with treatment-resistant slow-transit constipation

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a form of chronic constipation characterised by prolonged passage of faecal matter through the colon. It is diagnosed by demonstrating delayed colonic transit on gastrointestinal transit studies. Traditionally, radio-opaque marker studies are performed. Recently, radioisotope nuclear transit studies (NTS) have been used in our centre to assess gastrointestinal transit time. This study aimed to evaluate if there are changes in colonic transit in STC children resistant to standard medical treatment over a prolonged period.

METHODS

Children with STC resistant to standard medical therapy for > or =2 years who had undergone two separate NTS to assess their colonic transit (where the first study had identified slow colonic transit without anorectal retention) were identified after ethical approval. The geometric centre (GC) of radioisotope activity at 6, 24, 30 and 48 h was compared in the two transit studies to determine if changes occurred.

RESULTS

Seven children (4 males) with proven STC resistant to standard medical therapy and two transit studies performed at different times were identified. Mean age was 7.0 years (5.4-10.8 years) at first study, and 11.4 years (9.7-14.2 years) at second study, with a mean of 4.4 years (1-8.5 years) between studies. There was no significant difference in colonic transit at any timepoint in the two tests (paired t test).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that nuclear transit studies are reproducible in assessing slow colonic transit in children with treatment-resistant STC and demonstrate that conventional medical treatment over many years has no effect on underlying colonic motility.

Slow-transit constipation in children: our experience

Constipation is a common problem in children, with childhood prevalence estimated at between 1 and 30%. It accounts for a significant percentage of referrals to paediatricians and paediatric gastroenterologists. It commonly runs in families, suggesting either an underlying genetic predisposition or common environmental factors, such as dietary exposure. The peak age for presentation of constipation is shortly after toilet training, when passage of hard stools can cause pain on defecation, which then triggers holding-on behaviour in the child. At the time of the next call to stool the toddler may try to prevent defecation by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter. Unless the holding-on behaviour is quickly corrected by interventions to soften faeces and prevent further pain, the constipation can very rapidly become severe and chronic. Until recently, this mechanism was thought to be the only significant primary cause of constipation in childhood. In this review, we will summarise recent evidence to suggest that severe chronic constipation in children may also be due to slowed colonic transit.

Quality of life in children with slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation (STC) causes intractable symptoms not readily responsive to laxatives, diet, or life-style changes. Children with STC have irregular bowel motions associated with colicky abdominal pain and frequent uncontrollable soiling. This study assessed the physical and psychosocial quality of life (QOL) in children with long-standing (> or =2 years) STC vs healthy controls.

METHODS

Children (aged 8-18) were recruited from gastrointestinal and surgical clinics and a Scout Jamboree. After informed consent was obtained, the questionnaire (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) was administered. This consists of parallel child and parent self-report scales encompassing physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and school functioning. Higher scores indicate better QOL. P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In 51 children with STC (mean, 11.5 years; male/female, 2:1) and 79 controls (mean, 12.1 years; male/female, 1.9:1), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory QOL score was significantly lower in the STC group (72.90 vs 85.99; P < .0001). In addition, parents of children with STC reported a significantly lower QOL score than their child compared with the child's own report (64.43 vs 72.90; P = .0034). Parents of controls did not (84.25 vs 85.99; P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

Slow transit constipation is a debilitating condition affecting both physical and emotional functioning in children. Parental perception of QOL is significantly worse, highlighting the considerable family impact of constipation and uncontrollable soiling.

Percutaneous Cecostomy for Management of Fecal Incontinence in Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE

To report the authors' experience with percutaneous cecostomy and demonstrate its effectiveness in the management of pediatric patients with fecal incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2002 and November 2006, 21 percutaneous cecostomy procedures were performed in 20 patients in whom classical therapeutic approaches for the management of fecal incontinence had failed. Eighteen patients had anorectal malformations, one had myelomeningocele, and one had chronic constipation. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance. In all cases, an 8.5-F Dawson-Mueller catheter was placed in the cecum and exchanged after 45 days with a cecostomy button (ie, Trapdoor catheter). Data regarding complications, effectiveness of treatment, satisfaction, and quality of life were obtained by interviewing the patients' parents at follow-up consultation.

RESULTS

Nineteen of 20 procedures were technically successful. There were no major complications. All patients' symptoms of incontinence improved. Ninety percent of patients in our series (n = 18) reported satisfaction with the procedure, mainly related to their independence and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous cecostomy is a safe and effective procedure for the management of pediatric patients with fecal incontinence. Percutaneous cecostomy allows antegrade and more physiologic colon irrigation, avoiding the need for multiple retrograde enemas, achieving more patient independence, and improving quality of life.

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.

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.

Colonic manometry via appendicostomy shows reduced frequency, amplitude, and length of propagating sequences in children with slow-transit constipation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

We wish to define colonic motor function in children with slow-transit constipation (STC) using manometry catheters introduced through appendiceal stomas, previously sited for controlling fecal retention by colonic irrigation.

METHODS

We undertook 24-hour pancolonic manometry of 6 children (5 boys; mean, 11.5 years; SD, 3.0) using a multilumen silastic catheter.

RESULTS

were compared to nasocolonic motility studies obtained in healthy young adults.

RESULTS

Antegrade propagating sequences (APSs) originated less frequently in the cecum compared to controls. There were fewer APS (mean +/- SEM: STC, 13 +/- 6 per 24 hours; controls, 52 +/- 6 per 24 hours; P < .01) and high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs: STC, 5 +/- 2 per 24 hours; controls, 9.9 +/- 1.4 per 24 hours; P < .05). The amplitude of APS and HAPC was less in STC (APS, 39 +/- 9 mm Hg; controls, 54 +/- 3 per 24 hours; P < .05) (HAPC: STC, 94 +/- 10 mm Hg; control, 117 +/- 3 mm Hg; P < .01), whereas the amplitude of retrograde propagating sequences was greater in STC (43 +/- 6 mm Hg; control, 27 +/- 1 mm Hg; P < .01). The distances propagated by HAPC were significantly less in STC (36 +/- 4.5 vs 47 +/- 2.3 cm, controls; P < .05), and there was no evidence of a region-specific difference in propagation velocity of APS. Neither meal ingestion nor waking significantly increased colonic motor activity in patients with STC.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small numbers available to be studied, we found that children with STC in whom an appendicostomy had been placed show significant abnormalities in pancolonic motor function.

Pilot study using transcutaneous electrical stimulation (interferential current) to treat chronic treatment-resistant constipation and soiling in children

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation in children may have organic or behavioral causes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of treatment with transcutaneous electrical stimulation (using interferential current) in children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation with proven organic disorders.

METHODS

Eight children (7-16 years) with at least 4 years of chronic treatment-resistant constipation and soiling, who had failed diet, laxative treatment and behavioral therapy were given 1 month of transcutaneous electrical stimulation. The three most severe cases had appendicostomies with antegrade washouts every 2-3 days to prevent impaction and reduce their soiling. Children and carers kept a daily diary of bowel habits, recording number of spontaneous defecations, episodes of soiling, use of bowel washouts and medications. Transcutaneous stimulation using interferential current was applied three times per week for 3-4 weeks using four surface electrodes, two to the paraspinal area of T9-10 to L2 and one to either side of the anterior abdominal wall beneath the costal margin. Diaries were recorded for 1 month before, during, and after stimulation and for 2 weeks 3 months later.

RESULTS

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current stopped soiling in 7/8 children and increased the frequency of spontaneous defecations in 5/8. Defecations remained high and soiling low for 3 months in 3/6 children (with data).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current has a beneficial effect for children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation. Further trials using larger series of patients are needed to confirm this benefit, to determine the ideal stimulation parameters and to investigate why electrical stimulation might be effective.

Paediatric constipation for adult surgeons - article 2: new microscopic abnormalities and therapies

Chronic constipation is a common condition in both adults and children. Children with chronic constipation frequently have symptoms that continue into adulthood. In the second part of the review we describe advances in the identification of abnormalities in the control of motility. The role of neurotransmitters in both paediatric and adult constipation is examined and the radical rethink of colonic dysmotility caused by the re-emergence of interstitial cells of Cajal is discussed. The recognition of chronic constipation as an heterogenous condition has led to the introduction of new therapies. Antegrade washouts through appendix stomas and an exciting new treatment with electrical interferential therapy may, in the future, result in a less invasive approach to the management of chronic constipation. An improved understanding of the assessment and management of chronic constipation in childhood is also likely to reduce the frequency and morbidity of chronic constipation in adults.

Chronic constipation in children: organic disorders are a major cause

Diagnostic tools for paediatric chronic constipation have been limited, leading to over 90% of patients with treatment-resistant constipation being diagnosed with chronic idiopathic constipation, with no discernible organic cause. Work in our institution suggests that a number of children with intractable symptoms actually have slow colonic transit leading to slow transit constipation. This paper reviews recent data suggesting that a significant number of the children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation may have organic causes (slow colonic transit and outlet obstruction) and suggests new approaches to the management of children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation.