What is Fecal Incontinence? Fecal incontinence is the loss of
normal control of the bowels. This leads to stool leaking from
the rectum at unexpected times. Many people, of all ages, suffer
from fecal incontinence. It may be a result of spina bifida,
operations on the anus or rectum, spinal injuries, or trauma.
Fecal incontinence is often treated by emptying the bowels with
a rectal enema. This treatment is effective, but it can also be
messy, time-consuming, inconvenient, and difficult (or
impossible) for some patients to do by themselves. What is a
Cecostomy Catheter (C-Tube)? The C-tube is a non-latex, flexible
tube that is inserted into the patient's cecum through the skin
in the lower right part of the abdomen. (Figures 1a, 1b) The
C-tube remains in the cecum and provides a comfortable,
convenient way to cleanse the bowels with an irrigation of enema
solution. The irrigation (enema) is given through the C-tube and
exits the body through the anal opening. Emptying the colon in
this regular, predictable wa