Modified technique of antegrade continence enema using a stapling device

We present a stapling technique for constructing an antegrade continence enema (ACE) conduit that is helpful in cases of insufficient appendiceal luminal length or when a concomitant appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma is required.

In 6 patients with a mean age of 9.5 years who required an ACE procedure the cecum was tubularized in continuation with the orthotopic appendix at its base, using a stapling device to construct an ACE conduit. The tubularized segment was imbricated with permanent suture material. In 3 cases appendiceal length after tubularization was sufficient to allow splitting for the concomitant creation of an appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma.

Patients have been followed an average of 16.5 months. Stomal continence was achieved in all cases as well as reliable catheterization of the appendiceal cecostomy in 6 and the Mitrofanoff conduit in 3.

This modification of the ACE procedure with cecal tubularization in continuation with the appendix using a stapling device is an excellent approach in cases of inadequate appendiceal length. It successfully creates a catheterizable stoma with a reliable flap valve continence mechanism. The complex reconstructive procedure is simplified by eliminating the need to use tapered small intestine, while allowing the creation of a concomitant appendiceal Mitrofanoff stoma as necessary.