Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy: a case series

Background: There are few reports of percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy in adult patients. Methods: All cases of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (n = 2) and neurogenic bowel (n = 3) in adults in which percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy was performed were reviewed retrospectively. Observations: Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy was a definitive treatment. In 1 of the 2 patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, the percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy tube was clamped and subsequently removed 10 weeks after placement; in the other patient with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, the percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy tube remains in place. In 2 of the 3 patients with neurogenic bowel, the percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy tube continues to function well; the third patient did well for 6 months and then died of underlying comorbid disease. There was no mortality or need for surgical intervention for any patient. Complications occurred in 2 patients; 1 developed transient fever and leukocytosis and 1 had self-limited bleeding during anticoagulation. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy is a safe and effective treatment for both acute colonic pseudo-obstruction and neurogenic bowel when aggressive albeit conservative treatment is unsuccessful.