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Patient reported outcomes after subtotal colectomy in pediatric therapy-resistant constipation: A combined

Charlotte A L Jonker1, J R de Jong2, C E M Pronk2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|June 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Subtotal colectomy for therapy-resistant constipation (TRC) in children achieved a 68% success rate, but high complication rates and persistent abdominal pain were noted. Health-related quality of life remained favorable post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Limited data exists on surgical outcomes for pediatric therapy-resistant constipation (TRC).
  • Subtotal colectomy is a potential treatment for refractory cases.
  • Evaluating outcomes, complications, and quality of life is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical outcomes after subtotal colectomy in pediatric TRC.
  • To assess postoperative complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  • To define treatment success criteria for this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing subtotal colectomy for TRC (Jan 2011-June 2024).
  • Data extraction from medical records and telephone follow-up.
  • Evaluation of clinical outcomes, complications, and HRQoL using PROMIS; treatment success defined by defecation and incontinence frequency.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-eight percent of 40 pediatric patients achieved treatment success post-subtotal colectomy.
  • High rates of postoperative complications (63%) and persistent abdominal pain (47%) were observed.
  • Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was preserved across all PROMIS domains.

Conclusions:

  • Subtotal colectomy offers a 68% treatment success rate for pediatric TRC.
  • High complication rates and persistent abdominal pain remain significant concerns.
  • Despite complications, subtotal colectomy is associated with favorable HRQoL in pediatric patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenSubtotal colectomySurgeryTherapy-resistant constipation

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