Comparing quality of life improvement after antegrade continence enema (ACE) therapy for patients with organic and functional constipation / encopresis.

BACKGROUND: We compared patient- and family-reported overall and stool-related quality of life (QoL) before and after an antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure (cecostomy tube insertion) for refractory chronic constipation or fecal incontinence (CCFI). We hypothesized that patients with functional diagnoses experience similar improvements in QoL compared to those with organic diagnoses. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of patients undergoing cecostomy tube insertion for CCFI at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2012 to 2019. Patients and/or primary caregivers completed validated stooling and overall QoL surveys based on three time points: before surgery, three months after surgery, and at the time of survey / date of last follow-up. Repeated measures analyses compared scores over time between subjects and within the diagnostic groups. RESULTS: The response rate was 65% (22/34 patients, 12 organic and 10 functional diagnoses). Mean age was 8.3 years and 32% of the participants were female. Organic diagnoses were: spina bifida (6), anorectal malformation (5), and Hirschsprung Disease (1). There was substantial improvement in stool-related and overall QoL at three months post-ACE procedure (both p<0.001) for all patients; both scores continued to improve significantly until the date of last follow-up (median 4.1 years, IQR 2.3-5.6, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in scores between patients with organic and functional diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers perceive a significant, sustainable improvement in stooling habits and QoL following ACE therapy. The improvement is comparable between patients with a functional diagnosis and those with an underlying organic reason for their CCFI.

A Child Psychiatry Perspective on Encopresis.

Fecal incontinence, known as encopresis, is the repetitive, intentional or unintentional passage of stool in inappropriate places in children who are developmentally four years old or older. Incontinence can have a chronic course and is associated with emotional distress and a substantial negative impact on quality of life. We review how a medical and behavioral health multidisciplinary approach provides the optimal clinical care for this condition, and we discuss how the unique skill set of the child psychiatrist may address the complex family dynamics and psychiatric comorbidities which may be preventing remission from this condition. Identifying and understanding these factors is essential in developing a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Multidisciplinary Intervention for Encopresis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often delayed in achieving bowel continence, resulting in negative outcomes. In this pilot trial, 20 children with ASD and encopresis were randomly assigned to multidisciplinary intervention for encopresis (MIE; n = 10) or a waitlist control group (n = 10). The MIE group was treated for constipation and received a 10-day behavioral intervention that utilized suppositories to produce predictable bowel movements that were reinforced. Caregivers were trained to implement the intervention. Results support the feasibility of clinical trials of MIE, with high enrolment, competition, attendance, and caregiver acceptability. Preliminary outcomes were positive, with six of 10 in the MIE group achieving continence by the end of treatment compared to 0 in the control group (p = 0.005).Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov); ID: NCT02383732.

Urotherapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with bladder and bowel dysfunction: a systematic review / Uroterapia no tratamento de crianças e adolescentes com disfunção vesical e intestinal: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and describe the protocols and clinical outcomes of urotherapy interventions in children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. Method: Systematic review carried out in June 2018 on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL),Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo databases. Clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies carried out in the last ten years in children and/or adolescents with bladder and bowel symptoms and application of at least one component of urotherapy were included. Results: Thirteen clinical trials and one quasi-experimental study were included, with moderate methodological quality. The heterogeneity of the samples and of the methodological design of the articles prevented the performance of a meta-analysis. The descriptive analysis through simple percentages showed symptom reduction and improvement of uroflowmetry parameters. The identified urotherapy components were: educational guidance, water intake, caffeine reduction, adequate voiding position, pelvic floor training, programmed urination, and constipation control/management. Conclusion: This review indicates positive results in terms of symptom reduction and uroflowmetry parameter improvement with standard urotherapy as the first line of treatment for children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. It is recommended that future studies bring contributions regarding the frequency, number, and time of urotherapy consultations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar e descrever os protocolos e desfechos clínicos das intervenções de uroterapia em crianças e adolescentes com disfunção vesical e intestinal. Método: Revisão sistemática realizada em junho de 2018 nas bases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Cochrane Library e PsycInfo. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos e estudos quase-experimentais dos últimos 10 anos, em crianças e/ou adolescentes com sintoma urinário e intestinal e aplicação de no mínimo um componente de uroterapia. Resultados: 13 ensaios clínicos e 1 estudo quase-experimental foram incluídos, sendo a qualidade metodológica moderada. A heterogeneidade da amostra e de delineamento metodológico dos artigos impediu a realização de meta-análise. A análise descritiva por meio de percentual simples demonstrou redução dos sintomas e melhora dos parâmetros de urofluxometria. Os componentes de uroterapia identificados foram: orientação educacional, ingestão hídrica, redução de cafeína, posicionamento adequado para eliminação, treinamento do assoalho pélvico, micção programada e controle/manejo da constipação. Conclusão: Esta revisão sinaliza resultados positivos em termos de redução de sintomas e melhora nos parâmetros de urofluxometria com aplicação de uroterapia padrão como primeira linha de tratamento nos casos de crianças e adolescentes com disfunção vesical e intestinal. Recomenda-se que estudos futuros tragam contribuições no que tange a frequência, número e tempo para as consultas de uroterapia.

Urotherapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with bladder and bowel dysfunction: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the protocols and clinical outcomes of urotherapy interventions in children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. METHOD: Systematic review carried out in June 2018 on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL),Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo databases. Clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies carried out in the last ten years in children and/or adolescents with bladder and bowel symptoms and application of at least one component of urotherapy were included. RESULTS: Thirteen clinical trials and one quasi-experimental study were included, with moderate methodological quality. The heterogeneity of the samples and of the methodological design of the articles prevented the performance of a meta-analysis. The descriptive analysis through simple percentages showed symptom reduction and improvement of uroflowmetry parameters. The identified urotherapy components were: educational guidance, water intake, caffeine reduction, adequate voiding position, pelvic floor training, programmed urination, and constipation control/management. CONCLUSION: This review indicates positive results in terms of symptom reduction and uroflowmetry parameter improvement with standard urotherapy as the first line of treatment for children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. It is recommended that future studies bring contributions regarding the frequency, number, and time of urotherapy consultations.

Long-term outcomes of antegrade continence enema in children with chronic encopresis and incontinence: what is the optimal flush to use?

PURPOSE: Severe constipation and encopresis are significant problems in the pediatric population. Medical management succeeds in 50-70%; however, surgical considerations are necessary for the remainder such as the antegrade continence enema (ACE). The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes following the ACE procedure. METHODS: All patients undergoing an ACE over a 14-year period were included. Data on clinical conditions, treatments, and outcomes were collected. A successful outcome was defined as remaining clean with ≤ 1 accident per week. Comparative data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Student's t test. RESULTS: There were 42 ACE patients, and overall, 79% had improvement in their bowel regimens. Encopresis rates decreased from 79 to 5% (P < 0.001). Admissions for cleanouts decreased from 52 to 19% (P = 0.003). All cases of Hirschsprung's, functional constipation and spina bifida were successful. Rates of success varied for other diseases such as slow-transit constipation (60%) and cerebral palsy (33%). A majority (85%) required a change in the enema composition for improvement. CONCLUSION: In our study, ACE reduced soiling, constipation, and need for fecal disimpaction. Higher volume saline flushes used once a day was the optimal solution and most preferred option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 (retrospective case series or cohort).

Persistent Encopresis, Enuresis, and Anxiety in a 7-Year-Old Girl.

CASE: Sonia is a 7-year-old old girl who was referred to the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic by the Pediatric Urology Clinic because of persistent wetting and soiling behaviors. Since age 3 years, she has had a history of encopresis (and wetting) for which she has seen gastroenterology and urology specialists. The mother reports that Sonia has accidents almost daily, and she is not upset when sitting in her urine or feces. She dislikes going into the bathroom or sitting on the toilet by herself. She participated in a behavior modification program associated with the pediatric urology clinic, which helps children learn healthy voiding habits and achieve continence.Sonia also has anxious behaviors. She bites her nails and chews on her hair or shirt. She is afraid of small spaces such as those between the bed and the wall and needs to have stuffed animals cover them. Other instances that trigger her anxious behaviors include loud noises, having a substitute teacher, being separated from her mother, and going to certain bathrooms or new places. She also has severe tantrums, which involve throwing and breaking objects, kicking, and hitting her head against doors.A cognitive behavioral therapy program was recommended to target anxiety symptoms, in addition to timed toileting after meals and polyethylene glycol. At a clinic visit several months later, symptoms of anxiety, encopresis, and enuresis persisted. Cognitive behavior therapy was continued and sertraline 25 mg was prescribed for anxiety. In addition, she was referred to a pediatrician who specializes in relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy.Sonia showed modest improvement with these interventions. There were fewer episodes of angry outbursts and a decrease in soiling and wetting, but at times, but she continued to have intermittent periods of wetting and soiling and fear of going to the bathroom by herself persisted.(This Challenging Case extends observations reviewed in a previous Challenging Case: J Dev Behav Pediatr 2010;531:513-515; DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e3181e5a464.).

[Home training as a treatment of faecal incontinence and sphincter dyssynergia]. / Entrenamiento anorrectal domiciliario como tratamiento de la encopresis y disinergia esfinteriana.

OBJECTIVE: The defecation disorders represents the 3% of consultations in pediatrics patients. Our goal was to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the reeducation of the defecation maneuver through home training in patients with encopresis and sphincter dyssynergia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study of patients with fecal incontinence treated with home training at our center between 2014-2015. Anorectal manometry was performed and was valued defecation maneuver by expulsion of rectal probe with or without the ball. Daily sessions were performed using a Foley catheter (18-20Fr.) with progressive filling of the balloon, maximum 20cc. The response to the treatment was assessed in terms of episodes of soiling. RESULTS: Seven patients (6 males and 1 female) with a mean age of 9.7 years (range, 5-15) were included; two patients with anorectal malformation history, 1 Hirschsprung disease, 1 sacrococcygeal teratoma and 3 functional encopresis. Three patients had soiling episodes daily and 4 patients frequently. The mean basal pressure of anal channel was 32.34mmHg (range, 11.74-50.75) with negative defecation maneuver in 2 cases, deficient in 3 and dyssynergic in 2 patients. The mean time of biofeedback therapy to be asymptomatic was 5.14 months (range, 2-11), with a mean of 16.14 months (range, 3-24), with the 7 patients currently maintained clean. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that re-education of defecation maneuver through home training, seems to be an effective and efficient therapy, achieving excellent results in medium term.

OBJETIVO: Los trastornos de la defecación representan el 3% de las consultas en pediatría. Nuestro objetivo fue demostrar la eficacia y eficiencia de la reeducación en la maniobra defecatoria mediante el entrenamiento domiciliario en los pacientes con encopresis y disinergia esfinteriana. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de los pacientes con encopresis tratados mediante entrenamiento domiciliario en nuestro centro entre 2014-2015. Se realizó manometría anorrectal y fue valorada la maniobra defecatoria mediante la expulsión o no de la sonda rectal con o sin balón. Se realizaron sesiones diarias de forma domiciliaria empleando una sonda de Foley (18-20 Fr.) con llenado progresivo del balón, máximo 20 cc. Se evaluó la respuesta al tratamiento en función de la presencia de manchado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 7 pacientes (6 varones y 1 mujer) con edad media de 9.7 años (rango, 5-15); dos con antecedente de malformación anorrectal, una enfermedad de Hirschsprung, 1 teratoma sacrococcígeo y 3 encopresis funcionales. Tres pacientes presentaban manchado diario y 4 de forma frecuente. La media de presión basal del canal fue de 32,34 mmHg (rango, 11,74-50,75) con maniobra defecatoria negativa en 2 casos, deficiente en 3 y disinérgica en 2. La media de tiempo realizando el entrenamiento intestinal hasta lograr estar asintomáticos fue 5.14 meses (rango, 2-11), con un seguimiento medio de 16,14 meses (rango, 3-24), manteniéndose limpios actualmente los 7 pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio sugiere que la reeducación de la maniobra defecatoria mediante entrenamiento domiciliario parece ser una terapia eficaz y eficiente, logrando excelentes resultados a medio plazo.

An 8-Year-Old Boy With Treatment-Resistant Encopresis.

CASE: Paul is an 8-year-old boy with a long-standing history of encopresis and enuresis. Potty training was initiated when he was 2 years old. At this time, his mother was absent from the home for 6 weeks when she cared for her ill father in a different city. The process of teaching Paul to use the bathroom was described as "inconsistent" due to multiple caretakers.Paul never successfully mastered bowel and bladder control. He continues to wet and soil his clothes on a daily basis at home and school. According to his parents, he does not accept responsibility and comments about his soiling such as, "I didn't do it; someone else must have put it there." One of Paul's teachers commented that she could tell at the beginning of the school day whether he would maintain bowel and bladder control. If he was "agitated and talkative" in the early morning, he would often soil that day.He had a pediatric gastroenterological evaluation at the age of 5 years when he was having daily episodes of stool soiling. Physical examination revealed normal anal tone, normal placement of the anus, and moderate stool in the rectal vault. An abdominal radiograph revealed moderate stool throughout the colon. He was treated with Miralax and instructed to sit on the toilet twice daily. Paul did not respond to these interventions and was diagnosed with "overflow incontinence secondary to stool withholding." When he was taking Miralax, he had a normal barium enema radiograph. He was admitted to the hospital for a cleanout with a polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution.Although abdominal radiographs demonstrated absence of colonic stool for the following 5 months, he continued to soil his clothing. Play therapy and biofeedback did not change the chronic soiling and wetting pattern. An evaluation at the Continence Clinic resulted in a rigorous program including stooling after each meal, wearing a vibrating watch reminding him to void every 2 hours, drinking 60 ounces of water per day, tracking elimination patterns on a calendar, and a daily laxative (polyethylene glycol). A neuropsychological evaluation revealed a superior aptitude associated with unresolved early childhood issues of self-control, self-care, and frustration tolerance. Family therapy was initiated. However, daily fecal soiling and wetting persisted.Paul was born full-term without prenatal or perinatal complications. He was breast fed for 1 year and described as an easy baby. He achieved motor, social, and language milestone on time. Paul had difficulty with separation and aggression in preschool (e.g., biting). In school, teachers report inattention, fidgetiness, and difficulty following directions. He has been obese since age 3 years; his current body mass index is 29.

Antegrade continence enemas improve quality of life in patients with medically-refractory encopresis.

PURPOSE: Fecal incontinence is a socially debilitating problem for many children. We hypothesized that in selected patients with medically-refractory encopresis, placement of an appendicostomy or cecostomy tube for administration of antegrade continence enemas (ACE) would improve quality of life (QOL). METHODS: We reviewed all patients with encopresis who underwent appendicostomy or cecostomy placement from 2003 to 2014 at our institution. We contacted subjects' parents by phone and administered 3 surveys: a survey reflecting current stooling habits, a disease-specific QOL survey, and the PedsQL™ QOL survey. QOL surveys were completed twice by parents, once reflecting pre-operative QOL, then again reflecting current QOL. Pre-procedure and post-procedure scores were compared by paired t-test. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent appendicostomy/cecostomy for encopresis. Eight completed phone surveys. All procedures were performed laparoscopically. All patients experienced fecal soiling pre-operatively, whereas 5/8 surveyed patients (63%) noted complete resolution of soiling post-procedure (p<0.01). General and disease-specific QOL improved from pre-procedure to post-procedure in the following domains: social habits, physical activity, ability to spend the night elsewhere, feeling, and overall QOL (p<0.05). PedsQL™ scores improved significantly in physical functioning, social functioning, and overall functioning (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade continence enemas significantly improve quality of life in patients with medically-refractory encopresis, likely related to resolution of soiling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

A multidisciplinary treatment for encopresis in children with developmental disabilities.

Achieving continence of one's bowel movements is a key step in development and failure to do so leads to many negative consequences. Treatments for encopresis appearing in the literature have employed behavioral strategies; medications such as suppositories, laxatives, or enemas; and in some studies a combination of these approaches. To date, attempts to extend successful treatments for encopresis in typically developing children to those with developmental disabilities have been limited. The current study included three participants diagnosed with developmental disabilities who had a history of encopresis. None of the participants had a continent bowel movement under baseline conditions. Continent bowel movements increased during treatment that included the addition of suppositories to elicit continent bowel movements. Two participants began having independent continent bowel movements (i.e., without requiring suppositories) and medication was successfully faded out for the remaining participant. Treatment took between 13 and 21 days.

Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Pediatric Elimination Disorders.

Pediatric elimination disorders are common in childhood, yet psychosocial correlates are generally unclear. Given the physiological concomitants of both enuresis and encopresis, and the fact that many children with elimination disorders are initially brought to their primary care physician for treatment, medical evaluation and management are crucial and may serve as the first-line treatment approach. Scientific investigation on psychological and behavioral interventions has progressed over the past couple of decades, resulting in the identification of effective treatments for enuresis and encopresis. However, the body of literature has inherent challenges, particularly given the multicomponent nature of many of the treatment packages. This review identified 25 intervention studies-18 for nocturnal enuresis and 7 for encopresis-over the past 15 years and classified them according to the guidelines set forth by the Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. For nocturnal enuresis, the urine alarm and dry-bed training were identified as well-established treatments, Full Spectrum Home Therapy was probably efficacious, lifting was possibly efficacious, and hypnotherapy and retention control training were classified as treatments of questionable efficacy. For encopresis, only two probably efficacious treatments were identified: biofeedback and enhanced toilet training (ETT). Best practice recommendations and suggestions for future research are provided to address existing limitations, including heterogeneity and the multicomponent nature of many of the interventions for pediatric elimination disorders.

Bladder Training Video versus Standard Urotherapy for Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Noninferiority Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether an animated bladder training video was as effective as standard individual urotherapy in improving bladder/bowel symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients 5 to 10 years old who scored greater than 11 on the bladder/bowel Vancouver questionnaire were included in a noninferiority randomized, controlled trial. Children with vesicoureteral reflux, neuropathic bladder, learning disabilities, recent urotherapy or primary nocturnal enuresis were excluded from analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard urotherapy or watch a bladder training video in clinic using centralized blocked randomization schemes. Bladder/bowel symptoms were evaluated at baseline and 3-month followup by intent to treat analysis. A sample size of 150 patients ensured a 3.5 difference in mean symptomology scores between the groups, which was accepted as the noninferiority margin. RESULTS: Of 539 screened patients 173 (37%) were eligible for study and 150 enrolled. A total of 143 patients (95%) completed the trial, 5 (4%) were lost to followup and 2 (1%) withdrew. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Baseline mean ± SD symptomology scores were 19.9 ± 5.5 for the bladder training video and 19.7 ± 6.0 for standard urotherapy. At 3 months the mean symptomology scores for the bladder training video and standard urotherapy were reduced to 14.4 ± 6.5 and 13.8 ± 6.0, respectively (p = 0.54). The mean difference was 0.6 (95% CI -1.4-2.6). The upper 95% CI limit of 2.6 did not exceed the preset 3.5 noninferiority margin. CONCLUSIONS: The bladder training video was not inferior to standard urotherapy in reducing bladder/bowel symptoms in children 5 to 10 years old. The video allows families to have free access to independently review bladder training concepts as often as necessary.

[АNORECTAL DYSFUNCTION, OCCURRING AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT OF HIRSCHPRUNG'S DISEASE AND ITS CORRECTION].

Results of examination and treatment of 12 children, operated on in various clinics for Hirschprung's disease, in whom chronic constipation and other signs of anorectal dysfunction have occurred, were analyzed. In 8 patients Duhamel-Bairov operation was conducted, in 2 ­ Soave-Lenyushkin operation, and in 2 ­ Soave-Boley operation. The main cause of postoperative chronic constipation occurrence after Duhamel operation is the colorectal septum preservation. The only one radical method of treatment of this complication is a transanal removal of colorectal septum. The cause of anastomotic narrowing after Soave-Boley operation was absence of myotomy intraoperatively and of bougienage ­ after it. Elimination of chronic constipation in such patients, using long-standing bougienage and complex conservative treatment. The main cause of chronic constipation and nocturnal encopresis after Soave-Lenyushkin operation was preservation of the tissue excess while doing resection of a large bowel stump and creation of the narrowed ring, looking like a pendent plica. Complete reconvalescence of such patients is possible in transanal method of excision of stenosing ring and conduction of complex treatment.

Identifying Underlying Emotional Instability and Utilizing a Combined Intervention in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation and Encopresis-A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Childhood constipation is a common ailment that in certain cases can lead to encopresis or fecal incontinence. The literature suggests that standard care varies in effectiveness, especially in the long term. Fecal incontinence can lead to frustration, guilt, and shame for both the child and family and has untold long-term psychological and physical consequences. OBJECTIVE: To address alternative treatment options for pediatric constipation and encopresis by using acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Patient and Setting: This is a case study of a 6-year-old girl seen in a private practice acupuncture clinic in the northwestern United States. INTERVENTION: Treatment involved acupuncture, massage, and Chinese herbal medicine. RESULTS: The patient in this study began to have regular bowel movements on her own, from a type 5 on the modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children to a type 3, with no laxative use and few to no fecal accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional stability and support seem to play an important role in pediatric constipation and encopresis. Acupuncture may be an effective treatment option in the integrative care model to address both the emotional and physical components of childhood constipation.

Encopresis: Not just an accident.

Encopresis is a medical condition that can be seen in the school setting with children of all ages, though primarily at the early childhood and elementary level. This condition can cause a great amount of frustration with the student, family, and teachers due to the child's inability to control elimination patterns. The school nurse must be aware of the warning signs that a student may be experiencing encopresis in order to promote treatment. This article will assist the school nurse in understanding typical causes for functional encopresis, knowing how to help a student who soils, and developing an individualized healthcare plan that assists a student to become continent of stool again. Encopresis is not just an accident.

Quality of life in pediatric patients with unremitting constipation pre and post Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (MACE) procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine if there is a change in the quality of life in pediatric patients with unremitting functional constipation and/or encopresis after undergoing a MACE procedure. METHODS: Patients, ages 5 to 18 years with unremitting constipation and a normal evaluation, including anorectal manometry and colonic manometry, who opted to undergo a MACE procedure were contacted to participate in the study. Patients with congenital anorectal malformations as well as spinal cord disorders were excluded from the study. The patient's parent/guardian completed the PedsQL(TM) Generic Core Scales QOL survey prior to the operation, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 15 consecutive patients meeting protocol criteria were recruited within a period of 20 months. The mean age at the MACE procedure was 9.8 years (range 7.0-11.1). 5 patients were female. The mean QOL score pre-MACE was 64.1. At 6 months post-MACE the mean overall QOL score was 90.2, and it was 92.0 at 12 months. All 15 patients at the 6 month follow up had significant improvement in their QOL (p=1.9 × 10(-7)) and all subcategories of QOL were significantly improved as well. CONCLUSIONS: A MACE procedure is of benefit to otherwise normal pediatric patients who have unremitting functional constipation with failure of medical treatment. Our patients had a significant improvement in all QOL categories and overall QOL.