Antegrade enemas are almost exclusive to which patient population?

• A. Adults
• B. Pediatric
• C. Neonates
• D. Elderly

Answer: (B)

Antegrade enemas are a bowel management approach primarily used in children with severe constipation or fecal incontinence who don’t respond to standard therapies. By delivering irrigation solution in an antegrade direction through a surgically created access into the colon (often via an appendicostomy, as in the Malone procedure), stool can be emptied on a scheduled basis, helping achieve continence and easier daily care. This approach is most commonly seen in pediatric patients, because it’s planned and managed around a child’s growth, development, and family involvement. In adults, it’s rare and mainly reserved for specific neurogenic bowel conditions; in neonates or the elderly, it’s not the typical or exclusive option.