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Related Experiment Videos

Slow-transit constipation in children: our experience.

John M Hutson¹, Janet W Chase, Melanie C C Clarke

¹Department of Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. john.hutson@rch.org.au

Pediatric Surgery International

|April 28, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Childhood constipation, often starting after toilet training, can become severe. New evidence suggests slowed colonic transit may be a primary cause in some children.

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Area of Science:

Pediatrics
Gastroenterology
Child Health

Background:

Constipation affects 1-30% of children, leading to specialist referrals.
Familial occurrence suggests genetic or environmental factors.
Onset often follows toilet training, with pain triggering withholding behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence on the causes of severe chronic constipation in children.
To explore the role of slowed colonic transit.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent evidence.
Analysis of mechanisms contributing to childhood constipation.

Main Results:

Painful defecation can lead to withholding behavior, escalating constipation.
Severe chronic constipation may stem from slowed colonic transit.

Conclusions:

While withholding behavior is a known factor, slowed colonic transit is an emerging primary cause.
Further research into colonic transit is warranted for effective childhood constipation management.