Laparoscopic Antegrade Continent Enema through VQ Stoma Skin Flaps Using Two Ports: Long-Term Follow-Up

Revascularized Pyelo-Uretero-Cystoplasty in Patients with Chronic Bladder Outlet Obstruction Due to Ectopic Ureterocele: A Safe Surgical Technique with Superior Continence Outcomes

PURPOSE

To present the outcomes of revascularized pyeloureterocystoplasty with ureterocele unroofing in end stage bladder patients with duplex system and ureterocele.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with obstruction of intrauterine outlet from an ectopic obstructive ureterocele were included. Fourteen units of duplex systems underwent upper pole partial nephrectomy in conjunction with augmentation revascularized pyeloureterocystoplaty and ureterocele unroofing. The anterior and lateral walls of the ureterocele were excised before cystoplasty, and the resultant edges of the posterior wall were sutured to the bladder epithelium. Anastomosis of the upper pole vein and artery to the inferior iliac artery and the common iliac vein was performed. Detubularization of the whole ureter was performed with exception of the intramural ureteric part that kept tubularized for 'jet/turbulent' occurrence. Five patients (control group) underwent pyeloureterocystoplasty without revascularization. Patients underwent several evaluations in long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Patients were all dry by day and night in our long-term follow-up. Urinary incontinence improved in patients with no need for re-augmentation technique. Vesicoureteral reflux subsided in all patients postoperatively except one, who was asymptomatic. After five years, median bladder capacity rose from 128.5 ml to 395 ml and bladder compliance showed significant improvement from 15 ml/cm H₂O to 29 ml/cm H₂O, in experimental group and remained stable for 24-36 months. Median bladder capacity did not rise significantly in control group.

CONCLUSION

Pyeloureterocystoplasty is an efficient choice in this type of patients, which may prevent the recurrence of hypocompliant bladders and prevent ischemia and subsequent fibrosis.

Medical and surgical management of neurogenic bowel

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBoD) commonly affects patients with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury among other neurologic insults. NBoD is a significant source of physical and psychosocial morbidity. Treating NBoD requires a diligent relationship between patient, caretaker, and provider in establishing and maintaining a successful bowel program. A well designed bowel program allows for regular, predictable bowel movements and prevents episodes of fecal incontinence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Treatment options for NBoD span conservative lifestyle changes to fecal diversion depending on the nature of the dysfunction. Lifestyle changes and oral laxatives are effective for many patients. Patients requiring more advanced therapy progress to transanal irrigation devices and retrograde enemas. Those receiving enemas may opt for antegrade enema administration via a Malone antegrade continence enema or Chait cecostomy button, which are increasingly performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Select patients benefit from fecal diversion, which simplifies care in more severe cases.

SUMMARY

Many medical and surgical options are available for patients with NBoD. Selecting the appropriate medical or surgical treatment involves a careful evaluation of each patient's physical, psychosocial, financial, and geographic variables in an effort to optimize bowel function.

Use of Peristeen® transanal colonic irrigation for bowel management in children: a single-center experience

AIMS

Transanal colonic irrigation has been shown to be effective in bowel management program in adults. However, there exist limited data in children. We appraised the effectiveness of this technique in a series of children with incontinence or constipation and overflow soiling.

METHODS

Following ethical approval, a review of children with incontinence or constipation on a bowel management program with Peristeen® transanal colonic irrigation treated between 2007 and 2012 was performed. Irrigations were performed with a volume of 10-20 ml/kg of water with schedules depending on patient response. Data are reported as median (range).

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were reviewed. Median age at commencement of irrigations was 7 (2-15) years. Median follow-up is 2 (0.7-3.4) years. Diagnoses include the following: spina bifida (n=11), anorectal anomaly (n=6), Hirschsprung's (n=1), and other complex anomalies (n=5). Sixteen (70%) patients had associated anomalies. Twelve (52%) had constipation and overflow soiling, and 11 (48%) had fecal incontinence. Twenty (87%) had associated urinary wetting. Sixteen (70%) children used alternate-day irrigations, 4 (17%) daily irrigations, and 3 (13%) every third-day irrigations. Nine (39%) patients were taking oral laxatives. Sixteen (70%) reported to be clean and 3 (13%) reported a significant improvement, although were having occasional soiling. Four patients (17%) did not tolerate the irrigations and underwent subsequent colostomy formation for intractable soiling.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, Peristeen® transanal colonic irrigation is an effective method of managing patients with focal soiling in childhood. Majority (83%) of children achieve social fecal continence or a significant improvement with occasional soiling. This was accompanied by high parental satisfaction. Peristeen® transanal colonic irrigation is a valid alternative to invasive surgical procedures and should be considered the first line of treatment for bowel management in children with soiling where simple pharmacological maneuvers failed to be effective.

Transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation for management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in children with myelomeningocele

PURPOSE

We describe the efficacy of transcutaneous interferential (IF) electrical stimulation on constipation symptoms in children with myelomeningocele (MMC).

METHODS

MMC children (30, comprising of 17 girls and 13 boys), mean age 6.7 ± 2.9, with moderate to severe intractable constipation were enrolled in this study. They were divided into treatment (IF stimulation, 15 children) and control (sham stimulation, 15 children) groups. All children underwent anorectal manometry before and 6 months after IF therapy considering the rectoanal inhibitory reflex and sphincter pressure. Parents were instructed to complete a bowel habit diary by providing data on the number of defecations per week, form of stool and episodes of pain during defecation. According to parents' report a total neurogenic bowel dysfunction score questionnaire was filled before and 6 months after treatment. A 15-course abdominal area IF electrical stimulation was performed for 20 min and three times per week, with low-frequency current in a duration of 250 μs every 6 s. Children were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months.

RESULTS

In the treatment group, sphincter pressure and rectoanal inhibitory reflex significantly improved compared with sham stimulation and pretreatment measures (P < .05). In 73% of patients, the characteristics of constipation decreased immediately after IF therapy, while in 53% patients, they persisted for 6 months. Frequency of defecation increased statistically significant from 2.5 ± 1.1 per week before treatment to 4.7 ± 2.3 per week after treatment (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study showed that IF therapy is safe, noninvasive, and effective modality to improve constipation symptoms and anorectal manometry parameters in children with history of myelomeningocele.

The appendix as a conduit for antegrade continence enemas in patients with anorectal malformations: lessons learned from 163 cases treated over 18 years

INTRODUCTION

The antegrade continence enema (ACE) has been shown to be a safe and effective method for managing fecal incontinence in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to examine our experience with the ACE procedure using the appendix as a catheterizable conduit in children with anorectal malformations (ARMs).

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent an ACE procedure using the appendix as a catheterizable conduit between January 1992 and January 2010. Preoperative diagnosis (ARM type), operative details, functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were assessed. Technical modifications over time included selective cecoplication, implementation of the umbilical V-V appendicoplasty technique, and laparoscopy for cecal mobilization.

RESULTS

Mean age was 9.9 ± 0.6 years, and 67% were male. The most common preoperative diagnosis was rectourethral fistula in boys (39%) and persistent cloaca in girls (61%). Forty-five complications occurred in 41 patients with an overall incidence of 25.6% (stricture, 18%; leakage, 6%; prolapse, 4%; intestinal obstruction, 0.6%). The incidence of stomal leakage was lower in patients when a cecoplication was performed (2.9% [4/138] vs 29.4% [5/17]; P < .01), and the incidence of stricture was lower in patients when the umbilical anastomosis was created using the V-V appendicoplasty technique (11% [11/100] vs 30% [18/60]; P < .01). Successful management of incontinence was reported by 96% of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACE procedure using the umbilical V-V appendicoplasty provides an effective and cosmetically superior means for bowel management in children with ARMs. The rate of late complications is not insignificant however, and preventative strategies should focus on careful operative technique and ensuring compliance with catheterization protocols well past the initial postoperative period.

Intravesical electromotive botulinum toxin type A administration--part II: Clinical application

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of electromotive botulinum toxin type A administration on urodynamic variables, urinary/fecal incontinence, and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) due to refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children with myelomeningocele.

METHODS

A total of 15 children (mean age 7.8 years) were included. Using a specially designed catheter, 10 IU/kg of electromotive botulinum toxin type A was inserted into the distended bladder. While connected to the indwelling catheter and 2 dispersive pads, a pulsed current generator delivered 10 mA for 15 minutes. The urodynamic parameters, including reflex volume, maximal bladder capacity, maximal detrusor pressure, and end-fill pressure, and the urinary/fecal incontinence status and VUR grade were evaluated before and at 1, 4, and 9 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean reflex volume and maximal bladder capacity had increased considerably (99 ± 35 mL versus 216 ± 35 mL and 121 ± 39 mL versus 262 ± 41 mL, respectively; P < .001). In contrast, the mean maximal detrusor pressure and end-fill pressure had significantly decreased (75 ± 16 cm H(2)O versus 39 ± 10 cm H(2)O and 22 ± 7 cm H(2)O versus 13 ± 2 cm H(2)O) after treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). Urinary incontinence improved in 12 patients (80%). The VUR grade substantially decreased in 7 of the 12 children (mean VUR grade 2.25 ± 1.3 versus 1.37 ± 0.7; P = .001), and none of the children required surgical intervention. Fecal incontinence was alleviated in 10 (83.3%) of the 12 children. Skin erythema and burning sensation were observed in 6 children.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that electromotive botulinum toxin type A administration is a feasible and safe method with no need for anesthesia. This novel delivery system resulted in considerable improvement in the urodynamic parameters, urinary/fecal incontinence, and VUR in patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

Advances in pediatric colorectal surgical techniques

The operative management of pediatric colorectal diseases has improved significantly in recent years through the development of innovative approaches for operative exposure and a better understanding of colorectal anatomy. Advances in transanal and minimal access techniques have formed the cornerstone of this innovation, leading to improved functional outcomes, earlier recovery, and superior cosmetic results for a number of colorectal diseases. In this regard, we have witnessed a significant evolution in the way that many of these conditions are managed, particularly in the areas of anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease. Furthermore, a more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology underlying encopresis and true fecal continence has led to novel and less invasive approaches to the operative management of these conditions. The goal of this review is to describe the evolution of operative management pertaining to these diseases, with an emphasis on technical aspects and relevant clinical pitfalls.

Is the outcome of the left colon antegrade continence enema better than that of the right colon antegrade continence enema?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The purpose of this report was to review the results of the antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure and to compare the outcomes of right and left colon ACEs in children.

METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent an ACE between 1998 and 2005 were analyzed. Data were obtained based on the following parameters: postoperative soiling, catheter insertion time, colonic washout time, quality of life, and abdominal pain during and after the ACE. Twenty-nine patients were followed for an average of 3.8 years (range, 4 months-7.3 years).

RESULTS

Right colon ACEs were performed in 23 patients, and left colon ACEs were performed in 7 patients. The common complications of the ACE included abdominal pain during and after the ACE (51.7%) and stoma strictures (41.4%). The overall ACE success rate was 24/29 (82.8%; right colon ACE, 18/29; left colon ACE, 6/29). Twenty-three patients (95.8%) believed their quality of life was improved. There were no significant differences in complications or outcomes between the right and left ACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

An ACE is an effective treatment for children with fecal incontinence. A left colon ACE has similar efficacy as a right colon ACE in managing fecal incontinence in children.

Intermediate-term outcome of the simplified laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure: less is better

PURPOSE

The Malone antegrade continence enema procedure revolutionized the surgical management of fecal incontinence. Open and laparoscopic antegrade continence enemas are often performed with cecoplication and mesenteric manipulation. Since our initial laparoscopic antegrade continence enema description, we have simplified our technique. We present our series of laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedures, discuss technique and outcomes, and review the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed children who underwent laparoscopic antegrade continence enema between 2001 and 2007. Outcome measures included operative time, length of stay, stomal complications and resolution of incontinence or constipation. Using an umbilical port and 1 to 2 additional ports, the appendix was mobilized to allow transposition to the umbilicus. No cecoplication was performed. The appendix was not straightened unless catheterization was difficult.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients (mean age 7.8 years) underwent laparoscopic antegrade continence enema. Of the patients 21 were discharged home on postoperative day 1. Mean operative time was 65 minutes (range 30 to 116). In the last 10 patients only 1 working port was used. No perioperative complications were encountered. Mean followup was 24 months (range 1 to 68). Constipation and fecal incontinence resolved in all cases. No patient experienced stomal complications. One obese patient with kyphosis could not pass the catheter beyond the mid appendix at 1 month postoperatively. She had the same problem 1 month following open antegrade continence enema with cecoplication.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic antegrade continence enema is an effective means of treating intractable fecal incontinence and constipation. Our technique of using in situ appendix without cecoplication requires minimal mobilization and manipulation of the blood supply. Secondary ischemia, adhesions and scar formation are reduced, alleviating the most common complication, stomal stenosis. Our results show that cecoplication is not necessary to maintain stomal continence.