Non-Reversed Appendicostomy for Antegrade Continence Enema in the Treatment of Encopresis

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Constipation in children is considered when stool frequency is less than three times per week. Encopresis represents 80-90% of children with fecal incontinence. Operative strategy for management of encopresis ranges from resectional surgery to myotomy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of non-reversed appendicostomy without antireflux mechanism for management of encopresis in children. Materials & Methods: The study included 35 patients with severe idiopathic constipation and encopresis with failure of conservative measures. They were subjected to non-reversed appendicostomy without anti-reflux procedures. Results: The incidence of complications was 22.8% and included stomal leak, stricture, retraction and granulation tissue formation. False passage during dilatation occurred in one case. Antegrade continence enema effectively controlled constipation and encopresis. Conclusion: Non-reversed appendicostomy without antireflux mechanism is safe and rapid with minimal incidence of leakage. Constipation and encopresis was effectively controlled with this simple procedure.

Index Word: Constipation, encopresis, antegrade continence enema.