The Results of Treating Fecal Incontinence with Antegrade Continence Enema (ACE)

【Fecal incontinence is not rare in children who have been operated upon for anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung's disease, and meningomyelocele. Incontinence can negatively impact on the emotional and social development of these children. Antegrade continence enema (ACE) was utilized in 9 patients with meningomyelocele from January 1998 to June 1999. Cleanliness and post-operative complications were evaluated. Three operative techniques were employed; reversed appendicocecostomy, in situ appendicostomy and neoappendicostomy with cecal flap. All of the patients achieved complete fecal cleanliness. Four patients had post-operative complications; two with stoma leakage, one with abdominal pain on irrigation and one with stoma stenosis. The leakage was minimal and the pain on irrigation improved spontaneously. The stoma stenosis required revision 6th month postoperatively. The ACE has been shown to be safe and highly effective.】