Cecostomy Tube Research Articles

Cecal volvulus: outcome of management by celiotomy

This study was undertaken to evaluate the care of patients with cecal volvulus recently treated in Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) hospitals. This large contemporary review examines the outcomes of surgical treatment and is also the largest reported series of attempted colonoscopic decompressions. All patients with the ICD-9-CM code for colonic volvulus during the period 1991–1995 were identified in the computerized national DVA database. Data on patient demographics, clinical course, and outcomes were collected. Fifty-five patients with cecal volvulus and complete medical records were identified. The average age was 68 years; all were male. Previous abdominal surgery (5 of 55 patients; 9%), and neurologic impairment (6 of 55 patients; 11%) were the most common risk factors. Diagnosis was possible by plain radiography in the majority of patients (39 of 55; 71%). Colonoscopic decompression was attempted in 20 patients (36%), but was successful in only one (5%). The mortality rate was 18% for colectomy and primary anastomosis (5 of 28 procedures), 31% for colectomy and stoma formation (5 of 16 procedures), 11% for cecopexy (1 of 9 cases), and 100% for tube cecostomy (2 procedures). Mortality was significantly correlated with emergent surgery (p < 0.01). Cecal volvulus frequently presents as a surgical emergency, and continues to be associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis is often possible with plain radiographs, but colonoscopic decompression is typically unsuccessful. Cecopexy provides a safe alternative to resection and primary anastomosis in suitably selected patients.

Cecal Diverticulitis: A Diagnostic Challenge

Background: Cecal diverticulitis is frequently indistinguishable from acute appendicitis preoperatively and is sometimes mistaken for carcinoma at laparotomy. The surgeon must be aware of the possibility of diverticulitis of the cecum in the operating room and choose the appropriate treatment. Purpose: Because there is no universal therapeutic approach to these patients, we decided to assess the presenting symptoms, clinical findings, preoperative diagnosis, operative findings determining the proper management of these patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 13 patients with pathologically confirmed cecal diverticulitis, who underwent surgery in our department from 1984 to 1998, was undertaken. Results: The mean age of patients was 43.5 years. Right lower quadrant pain and local tenderness were the only clinical findings in 92.3%, with preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 84.6% of patients. The operative finding in most cases was inflammatory mass of the cecum; in 6 cases it was indistinguishable from perforated cecal carcinoma. Six patients underwent right hemicolectomy, 5 had ileocecectomy, 1 patient was treated by tube cecostomy, and 1 had diverticulectomy. There were three minor postoperative complications: pneumonia, wound infection and lower limb superficial thrombophlebitis. Conclusions: Cecal diverticulitis needs a high index of suspicion for achieving a preoperative diagnosis. We suggest that the operative therapy should be ileocecectomy. The surgical specimen should be examined during surgery and only if carcinoma is found should the patient have a formal colectomy.

Invited Critique: Colostomy vs Tube Cecostomy for Protection of a Low Anastomosis in Rectal Cancer

Invited Critique: Colostomy vs Tube Cecostomy for Protection of a Low Anastomosis in Rectal Cancer

Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy for antegrade colonic irrigation in fecally incontinent children.

The Malone surgical procedure for antegrade continence enema (ACE) greatly improves the quality of life of many patients with fecal incontinence but has several complications. This report describes a technique of percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy (PEC) which was applied in three children with fecal incontinence secondary to anorectal malformation or spina bifida. Using a pediatric fiberscope, a colonoscopy was done which reached the right colon. An intraoperative ultrasound examination confirmed the position of the cecum just below the layers of the abdominal wall. The cecostomy tube was then percutaneously inserted, imitating the steps of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) using the pull technique. The preliminary results are very encouraging: there are no procedure-related complications in this small series; all the patients are able to carry out the antegrade enema by themselves; and complete control of defecation has been obtained.

Continent urinary undiversion to modified ureterosigmoidostomy in bladder extrophy patients.

The objectives of urinary diversion are expanding from merely preserving kidney functions to enabling the patient to have a good quality of life while maintaining an acceptable certain body image. During the new era of continent urinary diversion the psychological drawbacks of noncontinent skin stoma in young adolescents cannot be overlooked. Ureterosigmoidostomy has been the technique of choice for continent urinary diversion in bladder extrophy patients when bladder reconstruction is not feasible or has failed. Although it provides a good daytime continence it is associated with a high rate of nighttime incontinence and delayed complications of pyelonephritis and hyperchloremic acidosis. We managed five male bladder extrophy patients with noncontinent skin stoma (sigmoid colon conduit in three and ileal conduit in two) including two patients who had previously had complicated classic ureterosigmoidostomy. They underwent urinary undiversion to the valved and augmented rectum (three patients) and the valved S-shaped rectosigmoid pouch (two patients) with some modifications. The conduit was used in the construction, and the ureters were implanted behind an isolated intussusception ileal nipple valve. Tube cecostomy and total parenteral nutrition was used for 7 to 10 days instead of a temporary defunctioning transverse colostomy. With a mean follow-up of 19.8 months (range 9-36 months) all the patients are fully continent during the day and night, with an emptying intervals of 3 to 6 hours. Follow-up intravenous pyelography and renal scans revealed improvement or stabilization of the function and configuration of the upper tracts in all renal units. No prophylactic alkali therapy was given. No clinical evidence of acidosis or symptomatic urinary tract infection was observed. Modified ureterosigmoidostomy is a good alternative for continent urinary undiversion even in those who have previously had complicated classic ureterosigmoidostomy. Our modification of using tube cecostomy and parenteral nutrition instead of a temporary transverse colostomy warrants attention; it made the technique simpler and more attractive.

The Cecostomy Button

Percutaneous insertion of a cecostomy tube, performed under local anesthesia, to facilitate antegrade colonic cleansing, has been an invaluable advance in the management of fecal incontinence. However, the patient is left with a length of tubing (2 to 4 inches) protruding from the cecostomy site that has to be taped down to the abdominal wall. Available devices for insertion in place of the cecostomy tube are cumbersome and have a relatively high profile, projecting more than 1 cm from the surface of the abdominal wall. Worn under a swimsuit, they are clearly discernible. The inflated balloon within the cecum can occasionally break. Furthermore, in the individual with a relatively thick abdominal wall, such devices are too short to reach from the skin to the cecum. A new form of low-profile trapdoor device has been developed that overcomes the above shortcomings of other available buttons. It has been successfully used in a clinical setting in 49 patients.

Fecal incontinence in children: treatment with percutaneous cecostomy tube placement--a prospective study.

To evaluate the technique used for and long-term results of percutaneous cecostomy tube placement for the treatment of fecal incontinence in children. After an initial pilot study in 15 patients, 42 additional patients with fecal incontinence aged 2-20 (mean, 11.5) years and weighing 9.9-109.0 (mean, 39.2) kg underwent percutaneous cecostomy tube placement. Twenty-nine patients had spina bifida, nine had imperforate anus, three had cloacal anomalies, and one had Hirschsprung disease. Mean follow-up was 265 days (range, 8-503 days). Tube placement was successful in all patients. One patient developed local inflammation after accidental early retention-suture removal, which was treated with suture replacement and intravenous antibiotics. Another developed postprocedural ileus, which resolved. Late complications included constipation in one patient (treated with diet alteration), granulation tissue in seven patients (treated with silver nitrate cautery), and accidentally dislodged tubes in three patients (two successfully replaced at home and one replaced at the radiology suite). Vomiting related to the phosphate enema occurred in two patients. Resolution of soiling was achieved in all patients. Percutaneous cecostomy and antegrade enemas are very successful in achieving fecal continence and patient independence and acceptability, with minimal early and late complications.

The cecostomy button

Percutaneous insertion of a cecostomy tube, performed under local anesthesia, to facilitate antegrade colonic cleansing, has been an invaluable advance in the management of fecal incontinence. However, the patient is left with a length of tubing (2 to 4 inches) protruding from the cecostomy site that has to be taped down to the abdominal wall. Available devices for insertion in place of the cecostomy tube are cumbersome and have a relatively high profile, projecting more than 1 cm from the surface of the abdominal wall. Worn under a swimsuit, they are clearly discernible. The inflated balloon within the cecum can occasionally break. Furthermore, in the individual with a relatively thick abdominal wall, such devices are too short to reach from the skin to the cecum. A new form of low-profile trapdoor device has been developed that overcomes the above shortcomings of other available “buttons.” It has been successfully used in a clinical setting in 49 patients.

Percutaneous cecostomy: A new technique in the management of fecal incontinence

A pilot study on the percutaneous introduction of a cecostomy tube for colonic irrigations in the treatment of children with fecal incontinence is described. The results were good, and the technique is recommended for certain patients.

Cecostomy. Therapeutic indications and results.

The role and effectiveness of catheter tube cecostomy as a means of colonic decompression are not clearly defined. Our aim was to clarify the clinical indications, functional performance, and concomitant morbidity associated with tube cecostomy. This was a retrospective chart review of patients receiving catheter tube cecostomy at the Mayo Clinic over an 11-year period. Sixty-seven patients (median age, 69 years) had catheter tube cecostomy placement. Clinical indications for tube cecostomy were colonic pseudo-obstruction, distal colonic obstruction, cecal perforation, cecal volvulus, preanastomotic decompression, and miscellaneous usage. Operation was emergent in 43 (64 percent) patients and elective in 24 (36 percent) patients. Tube cecostomy was the primary procedure in 47 (70 percent) patients and complimentary in 20 (30 percent) patients. Minor complications were seen in 30 patients (45 percent), including pericatheter leak, superficial wound infection, tube occlusion, skin excoriation, premature tube dislodgement, colocutaneous fistula, and ventral hernia. No patient required reoperation for tube-related morbidity. Catheter tube cecostomy is of therapeutic value in select clinical situations including refractory colonic pseudo-obstruction, cecal volvulus, cecal perforation, or distal colonic obstruction. Proper patient selection, careful tube placement, and vigilant postoperative tube care should provide adequate function with minimal morbidity.

Diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic cecostomy for colonic pseudo-obstruction

Marked cecal dilatation due to colonic psuedo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) is most often treated by colonoscopic decompression. When this fails, cecostomy is usually indicated if the bowel is not infarcted. We describe a new technique of laparoscopy-guided percutaneous cecostomy using T-fasteners to retract and anchor the cecum to the anterior abdominal wall and using a Foley catheter as a cecostomy tube. We performed this procedure successfully in a patient with colonic pseudo-obstruction who had marked cecal dilatation that could not be decompressed by colonoscopy. Laparoscopic inspection showed that the cecum was viable, and a laparoscopic cecostomy was placed. This procedure can be performed easily and safely and with much less morbidity than laparotomy and open cecostomy.

Tube Cecostomy as a Cause of Cecal Pseudotumor

A 60-year-old male presented with findings on radiographic and physical examination which were compatible with colonic obstruction. A tube cecostomy was performed. Colonoscopy seven months later revealed a pseudotumor composed of granulation tissue in the cecum at the site of the previous cecostomy.

Colonoscopic Decompression of Pseudo-obstruction and Volvulus

Flexible fiberoptic endoscopy has an integral role in the management of colonic pseudo-obstruction and volvulus. Colonoscopic decompression is the primary method for diagnosis and treatment of colonic pseudo-obstruction. Some patients require repeat endoscopic decompression, but few require tube cecostomy. In the case of sigmoid volvulus, endoscopic examination is useful as a temporizing measure to allow preparation of the colon and patient for elective definitive operative treatment.

Colonic volvulus. Etiology and management.

Colonic volvulus accounts for 1-7% of cases of large bowel obstruction in the United States and Western Europe. It is, however, a much commoner condition in parts of Africa, South Asia and South America. Volvulus is thought to be an idiopathic condition, probably with an anatomical basis, particularly in cecal volvulus. Some cases are, however, secondary to a known condition such as Chagas' disease. The sigmoid colon is involved in 65-80% of cases and the right colon in 15-30%. Transverse colon and splenic flexure volvulus are rare. Emergency surgery has in the past been associated with a high mortality. Nonoperative, tube decompression of sigmoid volvulus has been the single most important advance in the management of the condition--this has allowed surgery to be deferred to an elective schedule and performed on a fitter patient with a prepared bowel. Emergency surgery is still required for a minority of patients--those in whom tube decompression is unsuccessful; in those with signs of gangrenous bowel and patients with volvulus proximal to the sigmoid. When the bowel is not viable, resection is mandatory. In patients with a viable colon, there are several options. Sigmoid resection and colostomy for sigmoid volvulus and detorsion, cecopexy and tube cecostomy as a combined procedure for cecal volvulus are the usually recommended procedures.

Quantitative measurement of feline colonic transit

Colonic transit scintigraphy, a method for quantitatively evaluating the movement of the fecal stream in vivo, was employed to evaluate colonic transit in the cat. Scintigraphy was performed in duplicate in five cats and repeated four times in one cat. After instillation of an 111In marker into the cecum through a surgically implanted silicone cecostomy tube, colonic movement of the instillate was quantitated for 24 h using gamma scintigraphy. Antegrade and retrograde motion of radionuclide was observed. The cecum and ascending colon emptied rapidly, with a half-emptying time of 1.68 +/- 0.56 h (mean +/- SE). After 24 h, 25.1 +/- 5.2% of the activity remained in the transverse colon. The progression of the geometric center was initially rapid, followed later by a delayed phase. Geometric center reproducibility was found to be high when analyzed using simple linear regression (slope = 0.92; r = 0.73; P less than 0.01). Atropine (0.1 mg/kg im) was found to delay cecum and ascending colon emptying and delay progression of the geometric center. These results demonstrate both 1) the ability of colonic transit scintigraphy to detect changes in transit induced by pharmacological manipulation and 2) the fact that muscarinic blockade inhibits antegrade transit of the fecal stream. We conclude that feline colonic transit may be studied in a quantitative and reproducible manner with colonic transit scintigraphy.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction or Ogilvieʼs Syndrome

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACP), or Ogilvie's syndrome, is a disorder characterized by massive dilatation of the colon, and typically occurs in the critically ill or post-operative patient. The clinical presentation may be impossible to distinguish from mechanical causes of colonic obstruction. Its importance is reflected in an overall mortality of up to 30%, perforation of the cecum occurring in 14.8% of patients with a reported mortality of up to 46%. Medical therapy has had variable results. Tube cecostomy or other operative interventions can lead to much morbidity and mortality in the critically ill patient. Colonoscopy recently has proven to be highly effective in achieving colonic decompression as well as excluding a mechanical etiology for obstruction and poses minimal risk to the patient. Colonoscopy should be reserved for patients who show progressive cecal dilatation or who deteriorate clinically despite aggressive medical therapy. We report two patients with ACP treated with colonoscopy and review the literature.

Acute volvulus of the right colon: an analysis of 69 patients.

AbstractSixty‐nine patients with acute volvulus of the right colon have been analyzed; the overall mortality was 19%. Nonviable colon was present in 20 patients; the mortality rate in these patients was 40%. When the cecum is viable, a combination of simple cecopexy and tube cecostomy was as effective as resection in preventing long‐term recurrence. Cecopexy alone was followed by recurrence in 20%. In the presence of cecal perforation or a large area of confluent gangrene, resection with the formation of an ileostomy and a distal mucous fistula is the procedure of choice; resection with primary anastomosis should be avoided. When the gangrene is patchy, resection and primary anastomosis appears to be a safe procedure.

TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL TRANSPLANTATION PATIENTS WITH NONOBSTRUCTIVE COLONIC DILATATION

The incidence of nonobstructive colonic dilatation (NCD) is unknown, but the attendant mortality associated with perforation is nearly 50%. Patients with chronic renal failure and transplant recipients may manifest many of the conditions that have been implicated in the development of NCD. Mechanical obstruction and ischemic bowel disease must be eliminated as causes for colon dilatation. Over a four-year period eight patients (mean age 50 years) were treated for presumed NCD. Six patients with a mean cecal diameter of 12.8 cm were treated initially with colonoscopy. Five patients (83%) had successful endoscopic decompression; of the three remaining patients, one underwent urgent ileocolectomy for cecal ischemia after unsuccessful endoscopic decompression, a second (cecal diameter 13 cm) had a tube cecostomy performed as an initial procedure, and the third (cecal diameter 9 cm) was managed successfully with enemas and nasogastric suction. Two deaths occurred in the series (25%), but both were unrelated to colon distension. No complications of colonoscopy were observed. The sequelae of massive NCD (cecal ischemia, perforation, and protracted sepsis) are poorly tolerated in the immunocompromised patient. Conservative management may be employed in patients with a cecal diameter of 9 cm, but urgent diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy is recommended for patients with a cecal diameter of 12 cm or greater. Operative tube cecostomy may be necessary if colonoscopic decompression is unsuccessful or cannot be performed.

Myocardial injury following immediate postnatal circumcision

was first reported by Ogilvie, ’ in 1948, at which time he described a syndrome of colic of the large intestine, due to sympathetic deprivation. Spira and associate? have reported that pregnancy accounts for 35% of all reported cases of Ogilvie’s syndrome. A review of the world’s literature has revealed 24 cases of Ogilvie’s syndrome in postcesarean section patients, including the currently reported case. The clinical characteristics associated with this syndrome are abdominal distention, pain, nausea, vomiting, radiographic evidence of dilated large bowel, with absence of air in the distal descending colon and rectum, and lack of a demonstrable lesion at laparotomy.’ The successful resolution of Ogilvie’s syndrome in the post-cesarean section patient requires early and prompt diagnosis, followed by the institution of the appropriate medical or surgical therapy. Initially, medical management includes prohibition of oral intake, gastric decompression, parenteral hydration, and electrolyte balance. Narcotic analgesics and smooth muscle stimulants are avoided. Medical management is dictated by both clinical and serial abdominal radiographic evaluations. Surgical intervention is indicated with (1) the presentation of cecal dilatation between 9 and 12 cm, (2) a large bowel obstruction unresponsive to medical management, or (3) the occurrence of a cecal perforation. The surgical goal is decompression of the right colon. Tube cecostomy has been reported to be effective, safe, and sufficient in achieving this decompression.’ The pathogenesis of Ogilvie’s syndrome, although thought to be an autonomic dysfunction, is unclear, since it does occur in a wide variety of clinical circumstances.‘. ? This patient demonstrated all the cardinal features of Ogilvie’s syndrome, including the characteristic radiographic findings of dilated large bowel in a segmental distribution pattern: a distal cutoff of colonic gas in the descending colon: the absence of air in the rectum, and the presence of air-fluid levels. Tube cecostomy resulted in the successful resolution of the problem, without further sequelae. The clinical presentation of colonic pseudo-obstruction is similar to that of adynamic ileus of the small bowel, and the differentiation of the two may some. times be difficult to make. The radiographic finding’ are quite specific and characteristic, and are an ex cellent adjunct in the diagnosis of Ogilvie’s syndrome A reduced rate of morbidity and mortality may be achieved with early and accurate diagnosis, and the institution of appropriate medical or surgical man

Cecal volvulus: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Cecal volvulus is a malrotational abnormality of the intestine that causes obstruction. Diagnosis is difficult and, if delayed, the results may be intestinal ischemia, perforation, sepsis, and even death. Cecal ischemia or gangrene cannot always be determined from physical and laboratory findings. Although not always conclusive, contrast radiography may be helpful; however, laparotomy is often required for definitive diagnosis and therapy. If vascular compromise of the cecum is found, right hemicolectomy is the treatment of choice. In the absence of ischemia, decompressive tube cecostomy, simple detorsion, and cecopexy have all been recommended, but the optimal treatment is a matter of controversy.