Same setting laparoscopic antegrade continence enema and antegrade bladder neck injection for constipation and urinary incontinence in the spina bifida population

Abstract

Purpose: Fecal impaction and urinary incontinence and are among the most important problems in patients with spina bifida. We report our preliminary results with a minimally invasive approach to these 2 problems, that is same setting laparoscopic antegrade continence enema and antegrade bladder neck injection.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent same setting laparoscopic antegrade continence enema and antegrade bladder neck injection between January 1, 2006 and August 1, 2008. Demographic data, surgical indications, operative details and results were recorded. Surgical steps were uniform in all cases. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Two additional 5 mm trocars were placed. The appendix was mobilized to reach skin in the right lower quadrant. The antegrade continence enema channel was matured. A small percutaneous cystotomy was then created via the suprapubic port site. The cystoscope was passed suprapubically and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was injected in the bladder neck. A suprapubic tube was placed.

Results: We performed a total of 10 same setting laparoscopic antegrade continence enemas with antegrade bladder neck injection in 4 males and 6 females with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 6 to 13). All patients had a smooth walled bladder on cystogram, and good capacity, good compliance and low leak point pressure on urodynamics. There were no intraoperative complications and all patients were discharged home within 24 hours. At an average 18-month followup (range 12 to 27) all 10 patients were continent of stool and reported marked improvement in daily care. No patient experienced stool or gas leakage via antegrade bladder neck injection. Seven of 10 patients (70%) were continent of urine and no longer wore diapers.

Conclusions: Same setting laparoscopic antegrade continence enema with antegrade bladder neck injection is a safe, efficacious, reasonably simple minimally invasive approach to severe constipation and urinary incontinence in patients with spina bifida.