Surgical aspects of chronic constipation in children.

Chronic constipation accounts for 3% of paediatric visits. These patients can be broadly classified into three groups: (a) medical group (60-70%), (b) surgical group (20-25%), (c) refractory constipation group (5-10%). The first two groups can be managed by dietary adjustments and surgery respectively. The recognition and management of refractory constipation is a slower process and needs close scrutiny and perseverance before a definite therapeutic option could be decided.