Akiko Yokoi1, Naoko Kamata2. 1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kobe Children's Hospital. 1-6-7, Minatojima Minamimach, Chuoku, Kobe, Japan 650-0047. Electronic address: yokoi_kch@hp.pref.hyogo.jp. 2. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kobe Children's Hospital. 1-6-7, Minatojima Minamimach, Chuoku, Kobe, Japan 650-0047.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Few reports have determined the efficacy of olive oil enemas for severe constipation. Here, we review our experience with olive oil enemas in children with severe chronic constipation. METHODS: In our outpatient pediatric surgery department, the charts of 118 patients prescribed with olive oil enemas between January 2010 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A 1-2 ml/kg olive oil enema was given either alone or followed several hours later by a glycerin enema. Ratings included "very effective (VE)," "effective (E)," "limited (L)," "ineffective (I)," and "unknown (U)." RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen (97.5%) patients were able to use olive oil enemas at home. Forty-nine had functional constipation; 43 had anorectal malformation; 40 had Hirschsprung disease; 12 had spina bifida; and 10 had other maladies. Used as an enema, olive oil was effective in treating fecal impaction in 77.6% of patients; as a lubricant, it was effective in treating 76.9% of patients. Efficacy for fecal disimpaction was similar among patients with different underlying disorders. CONCLUSION: Olive oil enemas are useful for more than three-quarters of children with severe chronic constipation. Further study is warranted to add olive oil enemas as an adjunctive treatment in the management of severe constipation.
PURPOSE: Few reports have determined the efficacy of olive oil enemas for severe constipation. Here, we review our experience with olive oil enemas in children with severe chronic constipation. METHODS: In our outpatient pediatric surgery department, the charts of 118 patients prescribed with olive oil enemas between January 2010 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A 1-2 ml/kg olive oil enema was given either alone or followed several hours later by a glycerin enema. Ratings included "very effective (VE)," "effective (E)," "limited (L)," "ineffective (I)," and "unknown (U)." RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen (97.5%) patients were able to use olive oil enemas at home. Forty-nine had functional constipation; 43 had anorectal malformation; 40 had Hirschsprung disease; 12 had spina bifida; and 10 had other maladies. Used as an enema, olive oil was effective in treating fecal impaction in 77.6% of patients; as a lubricant, it was effective in treating 76.9% of patients. Efficacy for fecal disimpaction was similar among patients with different underlying disorders. CONCLUSION: Olive oil enemas are useful for more than three-quarters of children with severe chronic constipation. Further study is warranted to add olive oil enemas as an adjunctive treatment in the management of severe constipation.