Why is my doctor recommending a cecostomy/appendicostomy button?

A cecostomy or appendicostomy procedure may be recommended for very severe constipation that is not responding to laxatives or other methods of bowel management. If constipation is causing severe pain or other potential bodily harm, the gastroenterologist may recommend a cecostomy.
A cecostomy/appendicostomy can also be used to treat fecal incontinence (the inability to control bowel function).
The following conditions can lead to severe fecal incontinence which might require a cecostomy:
- the anus does not allow material to pass properly (an anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung disease)
- spinal abnormalities, such as spina bifida
- a combination of the above conditions
- other neuromuscular conditions which affect the bowels