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
![Dr. Marc Levitt treats baby colorectal patient accompanied by parents.](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/patient-provider-interactions/colorectal-banner.png)
Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction
The Division of Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction offers the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment for all types of pediatric colorectal disorders.
![Nurse giving girl a stuffed animal in MRI imaging room](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/service-line-interactions/imaging/imaging-room.jpg)
Interventional Radiology
Children's National interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children, and adolescents.
![Young boy smiling](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/kids/boy-smiling.jpg)
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Our gastroenterology experts provide expert diagnosis and treatments for children with digestive, liver and nutrition disorders.