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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.
Background/Purpose:
The most frequent consequences of being born with an anorectal malformation (ARM) are problems with fecal continence and constipation, which can have various negative implications. In this prospective, controlled study the effect of multidisciplinary behavioral treatment dealing with these problems is evaluated.
Methods:
The effect of multidisciplinary behavioral treatment was studied in 24 children (15 boys, 9 girls; mean age 5.8 years). Thirteen children were allocated to the treatment condition. The 11 children allocated to the waiting list control group also were treated after a waiting period of 6 months. Children underwent follow-up after treatment.
Results:
Compared with a waiting list control group, the experimental treatment group scores significantly better on 2 important measures ("Templeton," "Percentage of feces in toilet"). Although young children had poorer scores than older children before treatment, no significant differences in the favorable outcome of treatment were found between both groups after treatment. No effect of type of ARM on treatment was found either. The results of multidisciplinary behavioral treatment remain stable over a mean follow-up period of 7 months.
Conclusion:
Multidisciplinary behavioral treatment is an important and valuable supplement to the standard medical treatment of children born with ARM suffering from chronic defecation problems.
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