[Clinical significance of detection of internal anal sphincter in children with functional constipation]

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Updated: May 28, 2026

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
05:45

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5

Published on: April 26, 2019

Xiang-yu Hou1, Ling-yun Wang, Wei-lin Wang

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China. houxy@sj-hospital.org

Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
|October 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with functional constipation exhibit structural and functional changes in the internal anal sphincter (IAS). Increased IAS thickness in these children significantly correlates with greater symptom severity, indicating a potential link between IAS structure and constipation symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric condition.
  • The internal anal sphincter (IAS) plays a crucial role in continence.
  • Understanding IAS changes in FC is vital for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate structural and functional alterations of the IAS in children with FC.
  • To assess the relationship between IAS thickness and the severity of clinical symptoms in pediatric FC.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 35 children with FC and 23 healthy controls.
  • Utilized anal manometry and endosonography for IAS evaluation.
  • Assessed symptom severity using a validated symptom score (SS).

Main Results:

  • Children with FC showed significantly higher rectal perceptual thresholds and lower volumes for IAS reflex relaxation.
  • Thickening of the IAS was observed in all FC patients compared to controls.
  • IAS thickness significantly correlated with the total symptom severity score (r=0.407, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Structural and functional changes in the IAS are present in children with functional constipation.
  • IAS thickness is a significant indicator of symptom severity in pediatric FC.
  • These findings highlight the IAS as a potential target for understanding and treating FC.
Abstract

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