Percutaneous colonoscopic cecostomy for management of chronic constipationin children

Background: Chronic constipation and encopresis are common problems in chil dren with spina bifida and anorectal anomalies. Commonly used therapies inc lude complicated bowel regimens and antegrade continence enemas delivered v ia surgically placed appendicostomies and radiologically placed cecostomies . Methods: A technique is described for percutaneous placement of cecostomies for the delivery of continence enemas or venting. Results: Percutaneous cecostomies were placed in 12 patients. Improvement i n bowel management occurred in all patients. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy is a safe and effective meth od for the treatment of intractable constipation.