Children who soil: A review of the assessment and management of faecal incontinence

Abstract

Soiling is a common and distressing condition affecting children. In the vast majority of patients, it is associated with constipation. Most constipation is functional and is best thought of as difficulty achieving adequate bowel emptying. In a small minority of patients, there is no associated constipation, so-called non-retentive faecal incontinence. The aetiology of this latter condition in children remains unclear. The mainstay of management in all cases is a regular toileting programme, together with laxatives as required. This must be individualised considering the diagnosis, the age of the child and the psychosocial factors affecting the child and family. The diagnosis is made with a ..