Prospective switch study comparing two irrigation systems for transanal irrigation in children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Urology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a treatment for pediatric constipation and incontinence.
• Two TAI systems, Colotip® and Peristeen®, are available in Belgium.
• Colotip® is cheaper but not specifically designed for TAI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and patient experience of Colotip® versus Peristeen® for TAI in children.
• To evaluate outcomes such as fecal continence, self-reliance, pain, and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A patient-control switch study was conducted.
• Children using Colotip® for TAI were invited to participate.
• Data collected included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ratings and a 2-week diary assessing continence, self-reliance, time on toilet, pain, stool consistency, and irrigation parameters.

Main Results:

• Out of 18 participants, 11 completed the study with Peristeen®.
• Peristeen® showed significant improvements in pseudo-continence (p=0.015) and independence (p=0.01).
• Patient satisfaction, measured by VAS score, was also significantly higher with Peristeen® (p=0.007).

Conclusions:

• Peristeen® offers superior pseudo-continence and independence in pediatric TAI.
• Satisfaction with Colotip® led 30% of patients to refuse participation.
• Rectal balloon loss in spina bifida patients using Peristeen® highlights the need for further research on patient selection and potential use of a test-catheter.