Role of the antegrade continence enema in the management of the most debilitating childhood recto-urogenital anomalies.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the antegrade continence enema for managing the most severely compromised fecal continence mechanisms and the efficacy of nonappendiceal conduits in children when appendix is unavailable.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Ten patients 3 to 25 years old underwent continent cecostomy for the purpose of the antegrade continence enema. Diagnoses included the VATER association in 4 cases, myelomeningocele in 3, cloacal anomaly in 2 and isolated imperforate anus in 1. Eight patients received a tubularized ileal conduit, 2 received an appendiceal conduit and 2 underwent concomitant fecal undiversion.

RESULTS

Followup ranged from 4 to 28 months (mean 17.6). All patients have achieved excellent fecal continence and no significant stomal soilage or difficulty with catheterization has been noted. Patients reported a high degree of satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Continent cecostomy for the antegrade continence enema is highly effective even in the presence of severe structural anorectal disease. The tapered ileal conduit is an excellent alternative to the appendiceal conduit.