Early Experience With the Laparoscopic Ace Procedure

Abstract

The laparoscopic approach to the ACE procedure results in an improved level of continence in this difficult group of children with faecal incontinence. It is a simpler alternative to previously described methods and causes minimal morbidity. Results to date suggest a satisfactory outcome for both the children and their families.

The utility of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in women of reproductive age

“…The benefits of removing a normal appendix include preventing appendicitis or ulcerative colitis in the future [6][7][8][9], as well as the financial benefits of an incidental appendicectomy in some countries (in which fee-for-service surgery is practiced). Balanced against this must be the risk of removing the appendix once laparoscopy has been undertaken.…”

Bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury

“…58,59 The operation involves attaching the appendix to the surface of the abdomen as a catheterisable channel to enable regular antegrade colonic washouts. There have been a number of modi®cations to the ACE procedure including nonreversal of the appendix, 60 various skin¯ap techniques, 61 a simpli®ed laparoscopic technique (LACE), 62,63 and the use of the procedure in older patients. 64 The procedure appears to have a low incidence of complications and morbidity.…”

Effect of stoma formation on bowel care and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury

“…Recent research suggests that bowel management is a significant source of concern for patients and may significantly alter quality of life. [1][2][3] The failure of conservative measures to treat these chronic problems in some patients has led to the use of elective surgical treatments such as anterior sacral root stimulation, 4,5 antegrade colonic lavage [6][7][8] and stoma formation. 9,10 The effect of colostomy formation on both quality of life 11 and time taken for bowel care 9,10 is well recorded, including data from our own group.…”