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Functional constipation in children: the pediatric surgeon's perspective

Tomas Wester1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. tomas.wester@karolinska.se

Pediatric Surgery International
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Functional constipation affects nearly 10% of children, often without organic causes. Early identification of warning signs and laxative treatment are key, alongside crucial parental education.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Health
  • Digestive Disorders

Background:

  • Functional constipation impacts approximately 10% of the pediatric population.
  • The exact causes are multifactorial and not fully elucidated.
  • While often functional, organic causes must be ruled out, especially in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of functional constipation in children.
  • To highlight diagnostic considerations and treatment strategies.
  • To emphasize the importance of excluding organic etiologies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric functional constipation.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and warning signs.
  • Evaluation of current treatment modalities, including laxatives and parental education.

Main Results:

  • Functional constipation is common, with fecal incontinence frequently linked to impaction.
  • Warning signs like delayed meconium, bilious vomiting, and abdominal distention necessitate further investigation.
  • Laxatives are the primary treatment for disimpaction and maintenance.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management relies on accurate diagnosis, exclusion of organic causes, and appropriate use of laxatives.
  • Parental education is a critical component of successful treatment.
  • Surgical interventions for functional constipation are rarely indicated and data is limited.

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