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.
Di Mitri, M., Di Carmine, A., D'Antonio, S., Ruspi, F., Bisanti, C., Collautti, E., et al. (2025). Transanal irrigation in pediatric bowel dysfunction: a prospective study on clinical outcomes and quality of life. PEDIATRIC SURGERY INTERNATIONAL, 42(1), 1-9 [10.1007/s00383-025-06279-1].
Transanal irrigation in pediatric bowel dysfunction: a prospective study on clinical outcomes and quality of life
Di Mitri, Marco;Di Carmine, Annalisa;Ruspi, Francesca;Bisanti, Cristian;Collautti, Edoardo;Cravano, Sara Maria;Libri, Michele;Gargano, Tommaso;Lima, Mario
2025
Abstract
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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
