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Cecostomy in children with defecation disorders.

Mousa HM, Den Berg MM, Caniano DA, Hogan M, Di Lorenzo C, Hayes J

Divisions of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. mousah@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu

Administration of antegrade enemas through a cecostomy is a therapeutic option for children with severe defecation disorders. The purpose of this study is to report our 4-year experience with the cecostomy procedure in 31 children with functional constipation (n = 9), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), imperforate anus (n = 5), spinal abnormalities (n = 8), and imperforate anus in combination with tethered spinal cord (n = 7). Data regarding complications, antegrade enemas used, symptoms, and quality of life were retrospectively obtained. Placement of cecostomy tubes was successful in 30 of 31 patients. Soiling episodes decreased significantly in children with functional constipation (P = 0.01), imperforate anus (P < 0.01), and spinal abnormalities (P = 0.04). Quality of life improved in patients with functional constipation and imperforate anus. No difference in complications was found between percutaneous and surgical placement. Use of antegrade enemas via cecostomy improved symptoms and quality of life in children with a variety of defecation disorders.

Published 17 January 2006 in Dig Dis Sci, 51(1): 154-60.
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