Comparison of results of laparoscopic and open antegrade continence enema procedures.

Several modifications of the Malone antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure have now been reported. In this study we have compared the results of our experience with the laparoscopic appendicostomy (LACE procedure) with the published results of previously described open ACE procedures. Children who had the LACE procedure at our institutions were reviewed. Intra- and postoperative problems were identified by review of hospital case notes and from a questionnaire completed by the children's caregivers. These results were compared with the reported results of the original Malone procedure, the Peña modification, and the open appendicostomy as described by Wilcox. Since 1994, 30 children have had LACE procedures performed at our institutions. Two have required conversion to an open procedure because of difficulty locating the appendix. The stoma is being used for regular antegrade colonic washouts in 29 of the 30, compared with 19 of 31 in Malone's series and 16 of 20 in Peña's. Improvement in soiling has been achieved in 27 (90%) of our patients, 15 of whom are completely clean, a rate similar to that of the other types of procedure (61%-78%). Stenosis of the stoma has occurred in 8 children (27%), compared with rates of 10%-33% in other series. Stomal leakage has been troublesome for 2 (6.7%), compared with leak rates between 5.6% and 15% in other series. The LACE procedure is technically the simplest. The laparoscopic approach to the ACE procedure appears to be a simpler and safe alternative to previously described methods. It causes minimal morbidity, has a high long-term viability rate, and resulted in improved control of soiling in 90% of the children with faecal incontinence in whom it has been employed.