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Abnormal rectoanal function in children recovered from chronic constipation and encopresis
Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Abnormal anal sphincter function persists years after constipation and encopresis treatment. This impaired relaxation and hypotonia increase the risk of recurrence in recovered children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Physiology
Background:
- Chronic constipation and encopresis in children can be linked to abnormal anal sphincter function.
- Long-term functional outcomes after treatment are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate persistent anal sphincter dysfunction in children years after resolution of chronic constipation and encopresis.
- To assess if abnormal anorectal manometry findings predict long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Anorectal manometry was performed on healthy controls, children with constipation, and children with constipation and encopresis.
- Measurements included anal resting tone, anal pull-through pressure, and rectosphincteric reflex response to rectal distention.
- Follow-up manometry was conducted 2.5-4 years after treatment initiation in the constipation and encopresis group.
Main Results:
- Children with constipation and encopresis exhibited lower anal resting tone, anal pull-through pressure, and impaired rectosphincteric reflex relaxation compared to controls.
- These abnormalities persisted significantly even years after treatment initiation, in both recovered and non-recovered patients.
- Rectosphincteric reflex threshold was comparable across groups.
Conclusions:
- Decreased internal anal sphincter relaxation and anal canal hypotonia are likely underlying causes of chronic constipation and encopresis in children.
- Abnormal anorectal function persists long-term, placing recovered patients at risk for recurrence.
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