Study of Fecal Incontinence in a Sample of Egyptian Children, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Workup

Abstract

Fecal incontinence (F.I.) refers to the repetitive, voluntary or involuntary, passage of stool in inappropriate places by children 4 years of age and older (Loening-Baucke, 2011). Fecal incontinence could be functional or organic in origin. Functional causes include: Functional constipation associated fecal incontinence and Functional non-retentive fecal incontinence (Rajindrajith et al., 2013). The definition of functional constipation requires two of six criteria listed in the Rome III criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The symptoms must be present for one month in infants and toddlers, and two months in older children (Rasquin et al., 2006). The definition of non-retentive fecal incontinence is fecal incontinence without any evidence of constipation. The Rome III criteria define this disorder in children with a developmental age of older than 4 years. This prospective follow up clinical study included one hundred children with Functional Fecal Incontinence, 78 males and 22 females, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years and presenting to Colorectal Surgery and Defecatory Problems Clinic (CRSDPC), of Pediatric Surgery Department, Children Hospital, Ain Shams University. Patients were subjected to clinical examination, investigations (Gastro graphin enema) and psychological assessment including depression and anxiety scores and Health Related Quality Of Life assessment.. The results obtained were collected, tabulated and submitted for statistical analysis.