Abstract
Constipation is commonly seen in pediatric patients. It is a frequent complaint seen by pediatric gastroenterologists as well as primary care providers. Constipation is very relevant to pediatric urology patients as it is seen frequently in patients presenting with urinary tract infections and/or voiding dysfunction. Dysfunctional elimination is the combination of bowel and bladder dysfunction that was initially described in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux. It is important to seek out symptoms of bowel dysfunction in patients seen with urinary complaints and vice versa. The treatment of constipation is an integral part of the treatment regimen in children with voiding dysfunction. Encopresis, or fecal incontinence associated with constipation and chronic fecal impaction may also be present in patients with voiding dysfunction and recurrent urinary tract infections. In children with constipation an organic cause should be sought out during the evaluation including neurologic, endocrine, or anatomic causes. In 95% of patients no etiology is found and they are classified as having functional constipation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Suggested Readings
Allen HA, Austin JC, Boyt MA, et al. Evaluation of constipation by abdominal radiographs correlated with treatment outcome in children with dysfunctional elimination. Urology. 2007;69:966-969.
Baker SS, Liptak GS, Colletti RB, et al. Constipation in infants and children. J Pediatr Gastro Nutr. 1999;29:612-626.
Chase JW, Homsey Y, Siggaard C, et al. Functional constipation in children. J Urol. 2004;171:2641-2643.
Erickson BA, Austin JC, Cooper CS, Boyt MA. Polyethylene glycol 3350 for constipation in children with dysfunctional elimination. J Urol. 2003;170:1518-1520.
Hadjizadeh N, Motamed F, Abdollahzade S, Fafiei S. Associate of voiding dysfunction with functional constipation. Indian Pediatr. 2009;46:1093-1095.
Heaton KW, Ghosh S, Braddon FEM. How bad are the symptoms and bowel dysfunction of patients with the irritable bowel syndrome? A prospective, controlled study with emphasis on stool form. Gut. 1991;32:73-79.
Koff SA, Wagner TT, Jayanthi VR. The relationship among dysfunction elimination syndromes, primary vesicoureteral reflux, and urinary tract infections in children. J Urol. 1998;160:1019-1022.
Loening-Baucke V. Urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection and their resolution with treatment of chronic constipation of childhood. Pediatrics. 1997;100:228-232.
Loening-Baucke V, Pashenkar DP. A randomized, prospective comparison study of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes and milk of magnesia for children with constipation and fecal incontinence. Pediatrics. 2006;118:528-535.
Pashankar DP, Bishop WP, Loening-Baucke V. Long-term efficacy of polyethylene glycol 3350 for the treatment of chronic constipation in children with and without encopresis. Clin Pediatr. 2003;42:815-819.
Voskuil WP, Heijmans J, Heijmans HS, et al. Use of Rome II criteria in childhood defecation disorders: applicability in clinical and research practice. J Pediatr. 2004;145:213-217.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer London
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Austin, J.C. (2010). Disorders of Elimination: Constipation. In: Godbole, P., Koyle, M., Wilcox, D. (eds) Guide to Pediatric Urology and Surgery in Clinical Practice. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-366-4_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-366-4_13
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-84996-365-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-84996-366-4
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)