[Diagnostics and treatment of chronic constipation in children--the experience of the department of paediatric surgery].

The chronic constipation in children can pose a big problem both in pediatric and surgical practice. The purpose of this work is to present diagnostic and treatment procedures in children with chronic constipation. For over three years 70 children with defecation problems have been referred to the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Katowice (Poland). As a result of diagnostic procedures (anorectal manometry, barium enema and rectal biopsy) Hirschsprung disease was diagnosed in 21 cases and chronic constipation in 49. Children with Hirschsprung disease were treated surgically. Children with diagnosed chronic constipation were treated conservatively (cleansing enemas, oral laxatives, diet) and good results were obtained in 30 patients. 19 children underwent anal divulsion and 16 improved. In 2 cases sphincter myotomy was performed and good result was obtained in both of them. The diagnostics and treatment of chronic constipation in pediatric surgical ward is advantageous, because: Hirschsprung disease can be excluded, cleansing of colon sometimes requires general anesthesia and in selected cases surgical procedure is necessary.