Andrea Bischoff1, Giulia Brisighelli2, Belinda Dickie3, Jason Frischer4, Marc A Levitt5, Alberto Peña6. 1. International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA. Electronic address: andrea.bischoff@childrenscolorado.org. 2. Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy. 3. Colorectal and Complex Pelvic Malformation Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 4. Colorectal Center for Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 5. Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. 6. International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: A protocol to treat idiopathic constipation is presented. METHODS: A contrast enema is performed in every patient and, when indicated, patients are initially submitted to a "clean out" protocol. All patients are started on a Senna-based laxative. The initial dosage is empirically determined and adjusted daily, during a one week period, based on history and abdominal radiographs, until the amount of Senna that empties the colon is reached. The management is considered successful when patients empty their colon daily and stop soiling. If the laxatives dose provokes abdominal cramping, distension, and vomiting, without producing bowel movements, patients are considered nonmanageable. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2012, 215 patients were treated. 121 (56%) were males. The average age was 8.2years (range: 1-20). 160 patients (74%) presented encopresis. 67 patients (32%) needed a clean out. After one week, 181 patients (84%) achieved successful management, with an average Senna dose of 67mg (range: 5-175mg). In 34 patients (16%) the treatment was unsuccessful: 19 were nonmanageable, 3 noncompliant, and 12 continued soiling. At a later follow-up (median: 329days) the success rate for 174 patients was 81%. CONCLUSION: We designed a successful protocol to manage idiopathic constipation. The key points are clean out before starting laxatives, individual adjustments of laxative, and radiological monitoring of colonic emptying. TREATMENT STUDY: Level IV.
PURPOSE: A protocol to treat idiopathic constipation is presented. METHODS: A contrast enema is performed in every patient and, when indicated, patients are initially submitted to a "clean out" protocol. All patients are started on a Senna-based laxative. The initial dosage is empirically determined and adjusted daily, during a one week period, based on history and abdominal radiographs, until the amount of Senna that empties the colon is reached. The management is considered successful when patients empty their colon daily and stop soiling. If the laxatives dose provokes abdominal cramping, distension, and vomiting, without producing bowel movements, patients are considered nonmanageable. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2012, 215 patients were treated. 121 (56%) were males. The average age was 8.2years (range: 1-20). 160 patients (74%) presented encopresis. 67 patients (32%) needed a clean out. After one week, 181 patients (84%) achieved successful management, with an average Senna dose of 67mg (range: 5-175mg). In 34 patients (16%) the treatment was unsuccessful: 19 were nonmanageable, 3 noncompliant, and 12 continued soiling. At a later follow-up (median: 329days) the success rate for 174 patients was 81%. CONCLUSION: We designed a successful protocol to manage idiopathic constipation. The key points are clean out before starting laxatives, individual adjustments of laxative, and radiological monitoring of colonic emptying. TREATMENT STUDY: Level IV.
Authors: Laura Judd-Glossy; Merlin Ariefdjohan; Jill Ketzer; Stefanie Curry; Julie Schletker; Tiffany Edmonds; Amy Krause; Hope Simmons; Alberto Pena; Luis De La Torre; Andrea Bischoff Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2021-01-09 Impact factor: 1.827
Authors: Marina L Reppucci; Margo M Nolan; Emily Cooper; Lea A Wehrli; Julie Schletker; Jill Ketzer; Alberto Peña; Andrea Bischoff; Luis De la Torre Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2022-09-15 Impact factor: 2.003