The Malone antegrade colonic enema procedure: outcome and lessons of 6 years' experience

Pediatr Surg Int. 1998 Jul;13(5-6):370-2. doi: 10.1007/s003830050342.

Abstract

The successful management of faecal incontinence can dramatically improve the quality of life of affected children. The introduction of the non-refluxing, catheterisable appendico-caecostomy provides the opportunity to treat previously resistant patients. Over a 6-year period, 29 children had a Malone antegrade continent stoma for enema administration (MACE). Incontinence was related to spina bifida in 12 children, ano-rectal anomaly in 12, Hirschprung's disease in 2, followed excision of a pelvic tumour in 2, and was secondary to intractable chronic constipation in 1. The conduit was fashioned from the appendix (20), a caecal tube (8), or a gastric tube (1). Surgical complications were stomal stenosis (11), wound infection (1), anastomotic leak (1), MACE stoma prolapse (1), and a pressure sore (1). Colonic irrigation was achieved with washouts of saline (24), saline plus phosphate (4), and saline plus Picolax (1). Twenty-three patients have complete control of bowel function, but 4 still soil. Two remain incontinent, 1 of whom is still being instructed. One child subsequently had a colostomy, but still uses the MACE stoma. Successful bowel management requires motivation, dedication, commitment, and the input of a clinical nurse specialist. The MACE is a relatively straightforward operative procedure that provides an effective washout technique that is acceptable to both parents and children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cecostomy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Colon
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Enema / methods*
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome