Urinary tract dilatation in constipated children

J Herbetko1, I Hyde

  • 1Department of Paediatric Radiology, Southampton General Hospital.

Insights

Investigating upper urinary tract abnormalities in children with constipation revealed a high incidence of renal tract dilation. However, fewer than 12% of children with non-organic constipation underwent necessary intravenous urogram investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Urology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Upper urinary tract abnormalities can be associated with constipation.
  • Surgical investigation is sometimes required for pediatric constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively investigate the prevalence of upper urinary tract abnormalities in children with constipation.
  • To assess the diagnostic workup for these abnormalities, particularly the use of intravenous urograms.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 180 children investigated surgically for constipation over a 5-year period.
  • Analysis of diagnostic imaging, specifically intravenous urograms, for upper renal tract abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • A high incidence of upper renal tract dilatation was observed in children who underwent intravenous urograms.
  • Only 12% of patients with non-organic constipation had undergone an intravenous urogram investigation.

Conclusions:

  • There is a significant association between constipation and upper urinary tract dilatation in pediatric patients.
  • Diagnostic investigation, including intravenous urograms, may be underutilized in children with non-organic constipation.

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