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Appendicostomy is surgery that uses the appendix to create a small catheterizable channel from the skin to the beginning of the colon. It is commonly part of the Malone antegrade continence enema procedure, also called MACE or ACE. A catheter is passed through the channel so fluid can be delivered into the colon from above. The resulting antegrade enema helps empty stool through the rectum in a controlled way.
read more about appendicostomy ...The procedure is used for selected patients with severe constipation or fecal incontinence that has not been controlled adequately with medication, rectal enemas, bowel training, or other treatment. It is commonly used in children with neurogenic bowel, anorectal malformations, functional constipation, or other colorectal conditions. The goal is to improve predictable bowel emptying, continence, independence, and quality of life. Patients must be able to follow a regular irrigation program after the stoma has healed.
The surgeon mobilizes the appendix while preserving its blood supply and connects one end to the cecum if it is not already positioned appropriately. The other end is brought through the abdominal wall, often at or near the umbilicus, to create a small stoma. The operation can be performed through an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. A temporary catheter can remain in the channel during early healing before the regular antegrade-enema routine begins.
Recovery includes incision and stoma care while the channel heals around the catheter. The colorectal team teaches the patient or caregiver how to catheterize the appendicostomy and instill the prescribed irrigation solution. The volume and composition of the enema are adjusted over time to achieve predictable bowel emptying without excessive cramping or leakage. Long-term success depends on regular use of the channel and follow-up for stoma or bowel-management problems.
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, leakage, pain, granulation tissue, stomal prolapse, and difficulty passing a catheter. The channel can narrow or close, a problem called stenosis, and can require dilation or surgical revision. Some patients develop persistent fecal leakage or do not achieve adequate bowel emptying despite irrigation. Long-term studies report that stoma-related complications and revision procedures are relatively common even when bowel control improves.
Appendicostomy is the channel commonly created for the Malone antegrade continence enema procedure. The terms are often used together in bowel-management care.
A catheter is inserted through the small abdominal stoma, and prescribed fluid is instilled into the colon. The irrigation moves stool forward so the bowel can empty through the rectum.
No. It is generally a small continent catheterizable stoma rather than a stool-diverting ostomy that continuously empties into an external bag.
Yes. Stomal or channel stenosis is a common long-term problem and can make catheterization difficult. Treatment can include dilation or surgical revision.
Antegrade Continence Enema (ACE) Procedure. Children's Hospital Colorado. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/colorectal/colorectal-procedures/antegrade-continence-enema-ace-procedure/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
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Laparoscopic-assisted Malone appendicostomy in the management of fecal incontinence in children. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21366440/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
The Malone antegrade continence enema for treating adult constipation and fecal incontinence: a systematic review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12764679/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.