The successful management of chronic constipation in infants and children.

During a 3 yr period, 77 patients with functional constipation and 34 patients with constipation related to organic lesions of the anorectal area were managed with a strict regimen employing the long-term use of daily enemas. Seventy-four percent of the patients with functional constipation had excellent results and the rest had good results. In children with associated anorectal anomalies, 52% had excellent results, 35% had good results and only 13% had a poor result. A detailed flow chart of the workup and treatment regimen is presented.