Troubleshooting problems with antegrade continent enema flushes: The Indiana university algorithm. Issue 4 (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roth, Joshua D.; Bennett, William E.; Szymanski, Konrad M.; Whittam, Benjamin M.; Cain, Mark P.; Rink, Richard C.; King, Shelly; Misseri, Rosalia
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric urology. Volume 17:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 446.e1
• Page End: 446.e6
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Spina bifida -- Neurogenic bowel -- Antegrade continence enema; Pediatric urology -- Periodicals; Urologic Diseases -- Periodicals; Urogenital Diseases -- Periodicals; Urologic Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Child; Infant; Urologie pédiatrique -- Périodiques; Appareil urinaire -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie; Urologie; Pediatric urology; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.926
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.02.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-5131

Abstract

Summary: Introduction: Antegrade continence enemas have transformed treatment and improved the quality of life in children with neuropathic bowel, refractory constipation and fecal incontinence. However, it can often be difficult to manage problems that arise with ACE flushes. Objective: We report the use of an online tool designed for nurses to help troubleshoot calls for problems associated with antegrade continence enema (ACE) flushes as well as update our algorithm for managing refractory constipation/fecal incontinence in a large single institution experience. Study design: We developed an online tool based on our management protocol for managing refractory constipation/fecal incontinence (Summary Figure). Patient frequency and bother was assessed prior to the intervention and at one month after the intervention using 5- and 4-point Likert scales respectively. Patient demographics, MACE/Chait information, type of difficulty, volume of flush, and use of additives were recorded. Nurses were also interviewed prior to using the tool and 14 months after its development with regards to taking these phone calls and the helpfulness of the tool. Results: Over 14 months, the nurses received 22 patients calls via the nursing triage line regarding ACE flush problems and prospectively collected data. Half reported multiple episodes of fecal incontinence. Other complaints included no response to flush (8, 36.4%), occasional episodes of liquid fecal incontinence (2, 9.1%) and time of flush exceeding 60 min (1, 4.5%). While patients did not report decreased frequency of problems as a result of nurse troubleshooting using the ACE algorithm (2.5 vs. 2, p = 0.55), patients did report a significant improvement in their bother scores (4 vs. 2, p = 0.02). All but one patient reported that the recommendation was "some" or "a lot" helpful on follow up interview. The nurses all indicated that the tool helped "some" or "a lot." Discussion: The antegrade continence enema is valuable in managing neurogenic bowel, refractory constipation, and fecal incontinence, however, some patients experience problems with flushes that can often be difficult to manage. Conclusion: Patients reported less bother with their bowel issues after using our algorithm for managing refractory constipation/fecal incontinence and nurses reported that the tool was helpful. Summary Figure Institutional algorithm to troubleshoot ACE flush problems. Summary Figure