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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: What is the Malone procedure ?Forum: Neurology Forum
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I have been diagnosed as a Spina Bifida patient and, as a result of several surgical procedures, I lost control of bowel and bladder functions. In order to get a hold of my bowel problem, my doctor told me something about "bowel irrigation" via the appendix or the so-called Malone procedure. Who can tell me what this exactly is. I understand that you "irrigate" your colon via the appendix. But how is this done ? Isn't my belly going to "smell" after the procedure ? Is this a long-term solution (I am 37 years old now) ? Where can I find more information on this topic ? Thanks in advance for giving me information. I always think that I understand everything as long as I am in the doctor's office. But as soon as I am out, the questions are coming ... Gwen You will have to bear with us a little as bowel surgery is not a familiar area for neurologists but basically this involves bringing the appendix to the surface of the skin , creating a stoma like that used with bowel cancer patients, this is then used to give enemas ansd ahas been reported as having an 85% success rate in children at least. The opening is covered with a special pouch, there is not an unpleasant smell as the bowel contents are sterile at the level of the appendix and are only broked down by bacteria lower down in the colon. The stoma can be left in place over the long term if necessary. I have no experience as a neurologist with this procedure but I hope this has enlightened you to some extent at least.
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