ABSTRACT
The antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure was developed as a treatment for intractable fecal incontinence in the pediatric population and is established as a technique which significantly improves quality of life. The principle of the procedure is to establish a conduit from the anterior abdominal wall to the colon (usually the cecum). This conduit should be catheterizable and continent. The patient instils irrigation fluid via the conduit. The fluid acts as a mechanical flush and also stimulates colonic contraction. It has the advantage of being a relatively minor procedure and hence without major complications. This procedure has a role in the management of adult patients with severe constipation and can be used in patients with severe incontinence and for patients with mixed symptoms.1, 2
