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Treatment

Pediatric Cecostomy Tube

Key Points about Cecostomy Tube

  • Cecostomy is surgery to clear a child's bowels of feces when other treatment has not worked. It is used for children with fecal incontinence caused by major health problems.
  • Infection, mechanical failure or bleeding/irritation at the tube site are a few risks of the cecostomy surgery.
  • Putting the cecostomy tube in place is just the first step in easing fecal incontinence; follow-up care is needed.
  • The night before the procedure, your child will likely need to drink a laxative solution that cleans out the bowels.
  • Your child will need to stay in the hospital for the procedure to insert the cecostomy tube. The stay often lasts 1 to 2 days.

When undergoing a cecostomy tube procedure, your child will see pediatric experts from multiple specialties including the Interventional Radiology and Colorectal teams at Children's National Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cecostomy tube?

Why might my child need a cecostomy tube?

What are the risks of a cecostomy?

How do I help my child get ready for a cecostomy tube?

What happens during a cecostomy?

What happens after a cecostomy tube surgery?

Meet the Providers Who Offer Cecostomy Tubes

Departments that Offer Cecostomy Tube

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