Functional Constipation in Children
Conditions
Keywords
Intractable functional constipation, laparoscopic rectosigmoidectomy, pediatric, quality of life
Brief summary
Technique for surgical management of intractable functional constipation
Detailed description
Background: Intractable functional constipation (IFC) in children poses a significant clinical challenge when standard medical interventions are unsuccessful. The laparoscopic-assisted transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy (LATPRS) procedure is a surgical option that combines the precision of laparoscopic techniques with the functional benefits of transanal dissection. Patients and methods: A prospective trial was conducted at Al-Azhar pediatric surgery departments from January 2022 to January 2025, with a focus on children diagnosed with IFC. Each participant underwent LATPRS combined with a Malone Antegrade continence enema (MACE). The comprehensive data collection process included patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative recovery, complications, and functional outcomes. These data were recorded and subsequently analysed. Furthermore, a validated symptom severity (SS) scoring system and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQoL) were employed to assess outcomes.
Interventions
PROCEDURElaparoscopic assisted transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy
using laparoscopy for such procedure in children is unique for this study
Sponsors
Al-Azhar University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Children aged four years or older with intractable functional constipation 2. Documented BMP failure, defined as persistent fecal impaction, chronic dependence on laxatives, or intolerance to enemas despite prolonged conservative therapy.
Exclusion criteria
1. Patients with a history of abdominal surgery or 2. Identifiable organic causes for constipation and soiling (e.g., Hirschsprung's disease, anorectal malformations, or metabolic disorders) .
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| soiling | 3 years | Number of soiling episodes in pre-operative and post-operative period. Soiling refers to the inadvertent passage of fecal material into inappropriate places, such as underwear or other clothing. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| symptoms severity score | 3 years | The total symptoms severity score ranged from 0, indicating the best outcome, to 65, indicating the worst outcome. These scores comprised individual assessments in the following areas: soiling problems (range = 0--10); delay in defecation (range = 0--10); difficulty and pain associated with stool passage (range = 0--5); intensity of laxative treatment (range = 0--10); child's general health (range = 0--5); behavior related to bowel problems (range = 0--5); overall improvement of symptoms (range = 0--12); and amount of stool detected during abdominal examination (range = 0--8). A score range of 0-21 is classified as mild and considered well. In contrast, a score range of 22-43 is categorized as moderate, indicating noticeable bowel dysfunction that requires ongoing management. A score ranging from 44-65 is classified as severe, with significant debilitating symptoms indicative of intractable cases |
| The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (The PedsQoL™ questionnaires) | 3 years | The tool initially created by James W. Varni and colleagues \[16\], which has received prior validation from the World Health Organization, was employed to evaluate QoL. This is a practical and validated modular tool for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children aged 4-18 years (10). The scale evaluates the fundamental aspects of physical, emotional, social, and school functioning in children. The PedsQoL total score ranges from 0 to 92. A score between 0 and 30 is regarded as having a mild impact, indicating good quality of life. In contrast, a score between 31 and 61 suggests a moderate impact with some limitations in physical, emotional, or social functioning. A score from 62 to 92 is considered to have a severe impact, reflecting a significant compromise in quality of life, with notable distress or disability |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed