Surgical decision-making in the management of children with intractable functional constipation: What are we doing and are we doing it right?

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-1-2016

Journal

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

Volume

51

Issue

10

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.05.023

Keywords

Children; Constipation; Manometry; Motility; Surgery; Treatment

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Inc. Background Children with intractable functional constipation (FC) may eventually require surgery, often guided by motility testing. However, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of intractable FC in children. Aim To assess the diagnostic and surgical approach of pediatric surgeons and pediatric gastroenterologists towards children with intractable FC. Methods A survey was administered to physicians attending an international conference held simultaneously in Columbus (Ohio, USA) and Nijmegen (the Netherlands). The survey included 4 questions based on cases with anorectal and colonic manometry results. Results 74 physicians completed the questionnaire. Anorectal manometry was used by 70%; 52% of them would consider anal sphincter botulinum toxin injections for anal achalasia and 21% would use this to treat dyssynergia. Colonic manometry was used by 38%; 57% of them reported to use this to guide surgical decision-making. The surgical approach varied considerably among responders answering the case questions based on motility test results; the most commonly chosen treatments were antegrade continence enemas and anal botulinum injections. Conclusion Surgical decision-making for children with intractable FC differs among physicians. There is a need for clinical guidelines regarding the role of anorectal and colonic manometry in surgical decision-making in children with intractable FC.

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