Laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure for fecal incontinence in a patient with spina bifida.

We report a laparoscopic procedure for antegrade continence enema (LACE) that was performed successfully in 39-year-old man patient with spina bifida suffering from severe fecal incontinence. The patient had been receiving regular follow-up at our clinic. He desired the antegrade continence enema procedure to improve his intractable fecal incontinence with a less invasive procedure. Following the placement of the first port at the umbilicus using an open access technique, two additional ports were introduced at the upper and lower abdomen in the midline. The appendix was laparoscopically mobilized to the right lower abdomen and brought out through another port. Next, an in situ appendicocutaneostomy was created. The patient began oral intake the day after surgery. Initial irrigation was performed on the second postoperative day. Convalescence was quick and there were no postoperative complications. Although a minor skin incision was required afterward for superficial stoma stenosis, the patient has been in a satisfactory condition with regular enemas. Laparoscopic appendicocutaneostomy can be a reasonable surgical alternative for antegrade continence stoma procedure. LACE has a clear advantage over conventional open procedures in view of its less invasive nature and better cosmetic results.