Skip to main content

Getting a MACE

The child life specialists at Children's Mercy help children cope with the feelings they may have about their illness, injury, disability, or hospitalization. They have provided the information below to help your child prepare and understand what to expect when they have a MACE.

What is a MACE?


MACE stands for Malone antegrade continence enema. A MACE helps kids poop easier.

How does it work?


There will be a small opening on the skin of your tummy wall called a stoma. It is very small, sometimes you can see a little pink and should not hurt. It may look bigger when you first get it, but it will get smaller.

Water can be put in your stoma through a small tube called a catheter. This will make your poop softer and help flush it out.

An illustration of a catheter entering the stoma of a child.
A catheter will be inserted into your stoma.
An illustration of a catheter further entering the stoma and colon of a child.
Water will go through the catheter to make your poop softer.

What is my job?


Your job will be to sit on the toilet once a day while your MACE has water going through it. The water and poop will go into the toilet. You can play a game or watch a show while you are waiting.

Illustration of a boy sitting on a toilet. He is wearing a shirt that covers his chest and tops of his bare legs.
You will sit on the toilet while the water flushes out your poop.
Before You Arrive Menu
Children's Mercy Kansas City   /    Your Visit   /    Before You Arrive   /    What to Expect Before Visiting Children's Mercy   /   Getting a MACE