After the honeymoon comes divorce: long-term use of the antegrade continence enema procedure

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 1274 - 1277
• Main Authors: Yardley, Iain E, Pauniaho, Satu-Liisa, Baillie, Colin T, Turnock, Rick R, Coldicutt, Pat, Lamont, Graham L, Kenny, Simon E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Antegrade continence enema; Chronic Disease; Constipation - therapy; Enema - adverse effects; Fecal incontinence; Fecal Incontinence - therapy; Humans; Long-term outcome; Pediatrics; Surgery; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors; Young Adult; Antegrade continence enema; Long-term outcome; Fecal incontinence
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.02.030

Abstract Background Having reported that 18% of children discontinue use of the antegrade continence enema (ACE) after 5 years, we aimed to determine long-term use after an ACE procedure. Methods A postal/telephone questionnaire was conducted. Subjects were consecutive children undergoing an ACE between 1993 and 1999. Outcome measures were use of ACE, reasons for nonuse, complications, and overall satisfaction. Results Of 84 eligible subjects, data were available on 61 (73%) aged 22.4 years (15.5-35.1 years). Underlying diagnoses included spina bifida (n = 27), anorectal malformations (n = 18), constipation (n = 11), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 1), sacral agenesis (n = 2), and trauma/tumor (n = 2). Follow-up was 11.02 years (8.34-14.39 years). Thirty-six (59%) of 61 patients were still using their ACE. Reasons for nonuse were lack of effectiveness (n = 14), complications (n = 5), psychologic issues (n = 2), and poor compliance (n = 2). There was no association between diagnosis and nonuse ( χ2 , P = .63). In those still using ACE, the overall satisfaction score was 4.1 (1-5). Several individuals reported feeling abandoned on becoming adults and losing the support they had in childhood. Conclusion There is a late “failure” rate for the ACE procedure. However, satisfaction was high among those still using the ACE. This study further emphasizes the need for robust transitional care arrangements.