What is a cecostomy catheter (c-tube)?

A cecostomy catheter (c-tube) is a non-latex, flexible tube that is placed into the child's cecum (the first part of the large bowel) through the skin in the lower right part of the belly.

• The c-tube stays in the cecum and gives a comfortable, easy way to empty the bowels by giving an enema.
• The enema solution is given through the c-tube and exits the body through the anal opening.

Why does my child need a c-tube?

• Your child may be having a constant problem with constipation.
• Your child may be having accidents with soiling himself/herself.

Where will the c-tube insertion be performed?

• It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department.

Who will perform the c-tube insertion?

• One of our specially trained Pediatric Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the c-tube insertion?

• You will be seen by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure, and answer your questions.
• Two days before the procedure, your child is put on a clear liquid diet.
• The night before, your child will take a special medication by mouth that completely empties the bowel.
• On the morning of the procedure, your child is admitted to the hospital.
• An IV (intravenous) catheter will be started and your child will receive antibiotics through the IV to prevent infection.
• Two hours before the procedure, a numbing cream will be placed on your child's right lower abdomen.
• Immediately before the procedure, the child will be given medicine to relax. Your child may be given "sleeping" medicine by an Anesthesiologist.

   

What can I expect during the c-tube insertion?

• The doctor will inject a numbing medicine into the abdomen.
• The doctor will insert a needle to make a passage between the skin and the bowel.
• The tube is inserted through this passage into the cecum.
• The outside part of the tube is taped on the child's belly.
• Once the tube is in place, it is flushed with a saline (salt water) solution.

What can I expect after the c-tube insertion?

• Your child will stay in the hospital for about 2 days and receive IV (intravenous) antibiotics.
• Before you leave the hospital, a nurse will teach you how to care for the c-tube at home.
• It is very important that you understand and follow your doctor and nurse's instructions and give any medications as prescribed.
• About six weeks after the c-tube is inserted, your child will return to the hospital as an outpatient to have the tube replaced with a less noticeable device (the Chait Trapdoor c-tube).
• The outside part of the Trapdoor fits snug against your child's abdomen. The inside part coils itself inside the bowel, like a telephone cord.
• This is a simple and quick procedure and your child will not have to stay overnight.

What are the risks of having a c-tube inserted?

• Discomfort around the c-tube site.
• Minor skin irritations.
• Infection around the c-tube or within the belly.
• Fever and nausea.
• A build up of harmless red, raised tissue where the tube enters the body.
• The c-tube falling out of place.

What are the benefits of having a c-tube inserted?

• Makes bowel management simple, effective, and easy.
• Allows your child to become more socially active, independent, and confident. Many children who wear diapers can usually start wearing regular underwear.

What are the alternatives to having a c-tube inserted?

• You continue to manage your child's problems with rectal enemas and/or wearing diapers.