What is the difference between cecostomy and appendicostomy (MACE)?

Home > MiniACE® FAQ > What is the difference between cecostomy and appendicostomy (MACE)?
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  • Cecostomy: A doctor will create a stoma (or opening) in the lower-right section of the abdomen; the stoma will travel from the abdominal wall to the first part of the large intestine, known as the cecum. A tube will be placed in the stoma. This tube is sometimes referred to as a cecostomy tube, or a C-Tube. AMT offers a low profile cecostomy tube called the MiniACE®. Once the stoma site is properly healed, irrigation fluid is delivered into the cecum through the C-Tube. This process, known as an Antegrade Enema, helps move stool out of the body through the rectum. Your healthcare team will help you determine which irritation fluid is right for you.
  • Appendicostomy (also known as a MACE): Instead of creating a stoma in the lower-right section of the abdomen (as is done with the cecostomy procedure, above), the doctor will typically create a stoma opening at the belly button where it can be well-hidden. The doctor will then connect the appendix to the stoma/opening in the belly button. The appendix is a small organ that is located at the beginning portion of the large intestine (also known as the colon). By connecting the appendix to the stoma in the belly button, the doctor creates a channel from the outside of the body to the first part of the large intestine, known as the cecum. Once the stoma site is properly healed, irrigation fluid is delivered into the cecum. This process, known as an Antegrade Enema, helps move stool out of the body through the rectum. Your healthcare team will help you determine if you should use a catheter to perform your flushes or if you will need a device, such as the MiniACE®. Some patients with an appendicostomy/MACE will only need to insert a catheter/device when it is time to perform a “flush” (antegrade enema); this makes the appendicostomy/MACE a very discrete treatment option. Consult with your healthcare team to determine which type of irrigation solution is right for you.