Transanal irrigation (TAI) in the paediatric population: Literature review and consensus of an Italian multicentre
Enrica Caponcelli1, Milena Meroni2, Giulia Brisighelli3
1Pediatric Surgery, Policlinico of Modena. caponcelli.enrica@aou.mo.it.
Insights
Transanal Irrigation (TAI) offers a potential treatment for pediatric constipation and fecal incontinence. Careful patient selection, expert training, and consistent follow-up are key to successful TAI implementation in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Bowel Management
Background:
- Pediatric constipation and fecal incontinence present significant challenges.
- Existing treatments yield variable results.
- Transanal Irrigation (TAI) is established in adults but understudied in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Transanal Irrigation (TAI) in pediatric patients.
- To establish best-practice guidelines for TAI in children.
- To explore the efficacy of TAI for pediatric bowel dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review by pediatric surgery experts.
- Discussion and consensus-building on best practices.
- Focus on functional and organic bowel dysfunction in children.
Main Results:
- Limited data exists on TAI efficacy in pediatric populations.
- Key factors for successful TAI include careful patient selection.
- Structured training and continuous follow-up are crucial.
Conclusions:
- TAI is a promising, yet underutilized, treatment for pediatric bowel issues.
- Expert guidance and structured protocols are essential for TAI success in children.
- Further research is needed to fully establish TAI's role in pediatric care.
Abstract:
Constipation and fecal incontinence in pediatric patients are conditions due to either functional or organic bowel dysfunction and may represent a challenging situation both for parents, pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons. Different treatments have been proposed throughout the past decades with partial and alternant results and, among all proposed techniques, in the adult population the Transanal Irrigation (TAI) has become popular. However, little is known about its efficacy in children. Therefore, a group of Italian pediatric surgeons from different centers, all experts in bowel management, performed a literature review and discussed the best-practice for the use of TAI in the pediatric population. This article suggests some tips, such as the careful patients' selection, a structured training with expert in pediatric colorectal diseases, and a continuous follow-up, that are considered crucial for the full success of treatment.
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