ABSTRACT
AIM: We investigated 5-year results of distal sites for antegrade continence enemas (DACE). METHODS: Patients with DACE sites placed more than 5 years previously were identified. Details of procedures were obtained. Parents, and patients over 18, were telephoned and asked to answer a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: 31 patients were identified. Median age at DACE placement was 7 years (range 3-20). Median follow up was 92 months (range 66-145). 22 tubes were placed endoscopically, 7 were placed at open surgery and 2 at laparoscopic surgery. 28 responses to the telephone questionnaire were obtained. Of these, 15 were still using their DACE and 13 had stopped. Of those who had ceased washouts: 7 reported resolution of symptoms, 4 had a colostomy, 1 an ileostomy and 1 patient had abandoned their DACE. In patients using their stoma, washouts took a median of 5 min, with a median time to result of 25 min. 10 patients reported no soiling, 4 monthly and 1 daily soiling. Median satisfaction score was 8/10 (range 1-10/10). 24 (85%) said that they would recommend a DACE. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of 5-year follow up of a series of patients performing DACE washouts. The results are encouraging.
