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Transanal irrigation in pediatric bowel dysfunction: a prospective study on clinical outcomes and quality of life
Marco Di Mitri1,2, Annalisa Di Carmine3,4, Simone D'Antonio5
1Pediatric Surgery Department, IRCCS Meyer, Florence, Italy. marcodimitri14@gmail.com.
Insights
Transanal irrigation (TAI) significantly improves bowel function and quality of life in children with severe bowel dysfunction. This therapy reduces incontinence episodes and caregiver burden, offering a less invasive treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Bowel Management Therapies
Background:
- Severe bowel dysfunction in children often leads to fecal incontinence and refractory constipation.
- Transanal irrigation (TAI) is an emerging minimally invasive therapy for pediatric bowel dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of TAI on bowel habits in pediatric patients.
- To assess changes in medication use, quality of life, and caregiver burden following TAI.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 20 pediatric patients with fecal incontinence.
- Structured questionnaires were used to assess bowel function and quality of life at baseline and after 60 days of TAI.
- Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare outcomes.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in bowel care time, frequency of soiling, and fecal incontinence episodes (p < 0.01).
- Reduced dependence on laxatives or enemas was noted (p < 0.01).
- Improvements in social participation, emotional well-being, patient autonomy, and reduced discomfort were reported.
Conclusions:
- Transanal irrigation (TAI) is an effective strategy for improving continence in children.
- TAI effectively reduces the burden of bowel care and enhances the quality of life for pediatric patients with refractory bowel dysfunction.
Objectives:
Transanal irrigation (TAI) is an emerging minimally invasive therapy for children with severe bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence and refractory constipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TAI on bowel habits, medication use, quality of life, and caregiver burden in a pediatric population.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted on 20 pediatric patients with fecal incontinence. A structured questionnaire assessing bowel function and quality of life was administered at baseline and after 60 days of TAI. Outcomes were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.
Results:
Significant improvements were observed in bowel care time (p < 0.01), frequency of soiling (p < 0.01), fecal incontinence episodes (p < 0.01), and dependence on laxatives or enemas (p < 0.01). Social participation and emotional well-being also improved. Most patients reported better autonomy and reduced discomfort related to bowel management.
Conclusions:
TAI is an effective strategy to improve continence, reduce the burden of bowel care, and enhance quality of life in children with refractory bowel dysfunction.
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