Dietary Prevention of Constipation

Abstract

After the definitive correction of anorectal malformations (ARM), two different new diseases frequently occur: chronic constipation and stool incontinence. Chronic constipation is sometimes associated with smearing, staining, or overflow incontinence, which should not be confused with true incapability to retain stools due to an insufficient sphincter mechanism. Digital and electromanometric investigations under resting and squeezing conditions are very helpful for the differentiation. According to Holschneider et al., only 11.8% of the high-, 22.7% of intermediate-, and 63.3% of low-type malformations became completely continent without need of any additional help. Total continence corresponds to the continence behavior of a healthy person who does not soil, does not have constipation, and can regularly and voluntarily have bowel movements. Another group of patients become continent with some aid, which means they need occasionally a light constipating diet or laxatives for the regulation of their stools.