Multidisciplinary behavioral treatment of defecation problems: a controlled study in children with anorectal

E M van Kuyk1, M Wissink-Essink, A T Brugman-Boezeman

  • 1Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Insights

Multidisciplinary behavioral treatment significantly improves fecal continence and toilet habits in children with anorectal malformation (ARM). These positive outcomes are sustained long-term, offering valuable support for standard medical care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Behavioral therapy

Background:

  • Anorectal malformation (ARM) frequently leads to chronic defecation issues, impacting fecal continence and causing constipation.
  • These conditions have significant negative implications for affected children's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary behavioral treatment program for children with ARM-related defecation problems.
  • To assess the impact of this intervention on fecal continence and constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, controlled study involving 24 children with ARM.
  • 13 children received multidisciplinary behavioral treatment, while 11 served as a waiting list control group.
  • Follow-up assessments were conducted post-treatment and at a mean of 7 months.

Main Results:

  • The treatment group showed significant improvements in "Templeton" scores and "Percentage of feces in toilet" compared to the control group.
  • Treatment effectiveness was consistent across different age groups and ARM types.
  • Positive treatment outcomes remained stable at a mean 7-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Multidisciplinary behavioral treatment is a valuable addition to standard medical care for children with ARM experiencing chronic defecation problems.
  • This approach effectively addresses fecal continence and constipation issues, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract

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