Purpose: To introduce a simple technique for laparoscopic appendicostomy using two ports through "V" and quadrilateral "Q"-shaped skin flaps to create antegrade continent enemas in children with a neuropathic bowel incontinence or intractable constipation.
Patients and methods: Laparoscopic appendicostomy was performed in 19 children through a V-shaped skin flap at McBurney's point. The first port was inserted into the peritoneal cavity under direct vision, and the second port was inserted after peritoneal insufflation. The appendix was brought to the abdominal surface, and its distal tip was resected and intubated. The spatulated appendix was used to create an anastomosis to the V-shaped skin flap. The appendix was then covered by a quadrilateral skin flap.
Results: All patients were discharged from the hospital within 3 days (range 1-3 days) after surgery with a catheter in place. An irrigation regimen was initiated 3 weeks after surgery. All but one patient became continent without constipation and diaper free. The duration of follow-up ranged from 15 to 54 months (mean 35.8 months).
Conclusion: The laparoscopic antegrade continent enema through the VQ stoma skin flaps using two ports ensures rapid recovery, an excellent cosmetic appearance, and minimal complications in long-term follow-up. This is the first report of this technique, which shows promising results in stoma reconstruction.