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Comparison of uroflow parameters in children with pure constipation versus constipation plus lower urinary tract
Aybegüm Kalyoncu1, David Terence Thomas2, Tural Abdullayev1
1a 1 Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marmara University School of Medicine , Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Constipation impacts bladder function even without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Evaluating voiding function is crucial for all constipation patients, regardless of LUTS presence.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Constipation is a common condition that can affect multiple bodily functions.
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are often associated with constipation.
- The impact of constipation alone on urinary function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare uroflow parameters in patients with isolated constipation versus those with constipation and LUTS.
- To assess voiding dysfunction in patients with constipation compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving three groups: constipation only (C), constipation with LUTS (CL), and controls (N).
- Measurements included Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome (DES) scores, uroflowmetry/electromyography (uroflow-EMG), postvoiding residual urine (PVR), and rectal diameter.
- Data were collected between August 2012 and March 2014.
Main Results:
- Patients with constipation (Groups C and CL) showed significantly higher DES scores and abnormal PVR compared to controls.
- Group C (constipation only) exhibited altered voiding parameters, including reduced maximum flow rate, compared to controls.
- Pelvic floor overactivity during voiding was more prevalent in both constipation groups.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal voiding parameters are present in patients with constipation, even in the absence of LUTS.
- Evaluating voiding function is essential for all patients presenting with constipation.
- These findings highlight the interconnectedness of bowel and bladder function.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare uroflow parameters of patients with pure constipation against those with constipation plus lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and a control group (no constipation).
Materials And Methods:
During August 2012 to March 2014 three groups of patients were enrolled into the study: group C (constipation only), group CL (LUTS plus constipation) and group N (control: no constipation or LUTS). Dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES) scores, uroflowmetry/electromyography (uroflow-EMG) findings, postvoiding residual urine (PVR) and rectal diameter were measured and compared between groups.
Results:
Groups C, CL and N comprised 80, 100 and 30 patients, respectively. Average DES scores were 12.6, 18.7 and 4.9, respectively. Voided volume (as a percentage of expected bladder capacity) was 104%, 89% and 101%; and average maximum flow rate was 21.1 ml/s, 36.4 ml/s and 28.1 ml/s, respectively. Pelvic floor muscle activity during voiding was seen in 40.0%, 42.0% and 6.7% of patients in groups C, CL and N, respectively; and pathological PVR was seen in 26.3%, 55.0% and 3.3% of patients in the respective groups. Average rectal diameter was measured as 38.6 mm, 36.4 mm and 28.1 mm in groups C, CL and N, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study found that abnormal voiding parameters are present in patients with constipation even if LUTS are not present. Therefore, it is important that all patients presenting with constipation have their voiding function evaluated.
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