Defecation disorders in children: constipation and functional fecal incontinence

Abstract

Defecation disorders denote a state of altered defecation dynamics leading to an array of clinical presentations. With the currently available epidemiological studies, it is evident that these disorders have become a set of rapidly spreading global health problems. Due to the broadening of the understanding of escalating health-care costs and poor quality of life, these diseases demand attention of clinicians and researchers, more than at any other time in history. However, it is regrettable that only a little guidance is available for health-care professionals to manage these disorders. Most of the therapeutic trials and investigation plans are archaic from the viewpoint of a twenty-first-century clinician and are not evidence based. However, new research ventures are being carried out, and the horizon of the knowledge base is expanding, perhaps indicating a brighter future. In this chapter, we discuss emerging concepts of definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, and management of defecation disorders in children and adolescents.