Commentary- Bridging the Gap: The Impact of Bowel Management Programs on Daily Life in Pediatric Colorectal Disease.

Document Type

Editorial

Publication Date

10-2024

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.07.009

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This commentary discusses the social impact of bowel management programs (BMPs) on children with colorectal diseases, including anorectal malformations (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), functional constipation (FC), and spina bifida. Previous studies focused on functional outcomes, but this study bridges the gap to daily life experiences.

METHODS: The study examined children's experiences in BMPs, focusing on school participation, vacation ability, and overall patient experience. Cleanliness, defined as fewer than one stool soiling episode per week, was achieved by 70% of participants.

RESULTS: Positive patient experiences were linked to achieving stool cleanliness, regardless of the management method. Invasive methods like enemas did not negatively affect experiences if cleanliness was maintained. Validated patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were used, though the median age of 8.9 years posed limitations.

CONCLUSION: The commentary highlights the significance of stool cleanliness in improving patient experiences and supports the effectiveness of various BMP methods. Future research should include longitudinal follow-ups to assess BMP durability and gather data from older children.

Journal Title

Journal of pediatric surgery

Volume

59

Issue

10

First Page

161624

Last Page

161624

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Child; Constipation; Anorectal Malformations; Spinal Dysraphism; Hirschsprung Disease; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Male; Patient Satisfaction

Keywords

Anorectal malformation; Bowel management; Cloaca; Experience measures; PROM; Patient reported outcomes measures; Quality of ilfe

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