Scientific solution to a complex problem: physiology and multidisciplinary team improve understanding and outcome in chronic constipation and faecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of diagnostic credibility to direct focused management for children with chronic constipation (CC) and faecal incontinence (FI). The aim is to assess the impact of an innovative Children's Anorectal Physiology Service (CAPS) focusing on improving outcomes in children with CC/FI. METHODS: Prospective data: demographics, bowel and quality of life (QoL)/risk of distress questionnaires. Diagnostics: awake high-resolution anorectal manometry (AHRAM), endoanal ultrasound and transit marker studies (TMS). RESULTS: Total patients: 112; 66 males (59%); median 9 years (17 months to 16 years). Patient groups included: 89 (79%) had functional CC/FI; 9 (8%), Hirschsprung's disease; 12 (11%), anorectal malformations and 2 (2%), trauma. St Marks Incontinence score (SMIS) abnormal in 91 (81%) and Cleveland Constipation Score (CCS) in 101 (90%) patients. Anorectal manometry: 94 (84%) awake and 18 (17%) under anaesthesia. Play specialist input 37 (33%) patients. AHRAM abnormal 65 (58%): sphincter dysfunction 36 (32%) and altered rectal sensation: hyposensitive 22% (20/91); 21% (19/91) hypersensitive. TMS normal in 64 (57%), 17 (15%) slow transit and 27 (24%) rectal evacuatory disorder. Risk of distress in 38% and poor QoL in 55% patients which correlated with abnormal SMIS (p = 0.02). Patient/parent satisfaction improved significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Scientific investigations combined with multidisciplinary team improve patient satisfaction and reduces patient self-report illness severity. A complex problem requires a scientific solution.

Women's views on autologous cell-based therapy for post-obstetric incontinence.

AIM: Fecal and urinary incontinence are devastating consequences of obstetric-related perineal injury. The aim of the present study is to determine acceptability to parous women of autologous cell-based therapy for fecal and urinary incontinence that arises due to pelvic diaphragm tearing during vaginal childbirth. MATERIALS & METHODS: A multiple choice questionnaire survey was offered to 76 parous women at the Maternity Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK. Seventy completed questionnaires - response rate: 92%. RESULTS: In total, 84% of women indicated a willingness to accept autologous cell-based therapy for obstetric injury-induced incontinence rather than surgery. CONCLUSION: These observational data provide an indication of likely acceptance of autologous cell-based therapies for birth injury incontinence and will help with designing new therapeutic approaches.