Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

Long-term effects of transabdominal electrical stimulation in treating children with slow-transit constipation

Leanne C Y Leong1, Yee Ian Yik, Anthony G Catto-Smith

  • 1Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) shows promise for treating slow-transit constipation (STC) in children. While one-third experienced lasting improvement, others saw symptom recurrence within six months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neuromodulation Therapies
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Slow-transit constipation (STC) is a challenging condition in children.
  • Current treatments for STC have limitations.
  • Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) is an emerging therapeutic option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) in children with slow-transit constipation (STC).
  • To determine if TES treatment for STC leads to sustained improvements in bowel function and symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 39 children with STC treated with TES for 1-2 months.
  • Long-term follow-up of 30 patients (mean 3.5 years post-treatment) via questionnaires.
  • Outcomes assessed using statistical methods including confidence intervals and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

  • 73% of children reported perceived improvement with TES.
  • Sustained improvement (>2 years) was observed in 33%, while 25-33% experienced recurrence within 6 months.
  • Significant improvements noted in soiling (75%), abdominal pain (59%), and continence scores (81%).

Conclusions:

  • Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) demonstrates potential as a treatment for pediatric STC.
  • TES can lead to significant short- and long-term benefits for a subset of children with STC.
  • Further research may optimize TES protocols for sustained symptom relief in STC.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy08:24

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 11, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...