Transabdominal electrical stimulation increases colonic propagating pressure waves in paediatric slow transit constipation

Abstract

Background and aims: In slow-transit constipation (STC) pancolonic manometry shows significantly reduced antegrade propagating sequences (PS) and no response to physiological stimuli. This study aimed to determine whether transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current (IFC) applied to the abdomen increased colonic PS in STC children. Methods: Eight children (8-18 years) with confirmed STC had 24-h colonic manometry using a water-perfused, 8-channel catheter with 7.5 cm sidehole distance introduced via appendix stomas. They then received 12 sessions (20 min/3 × per week) of IFC stimulation (2 paraspinal and 2 abdominal electrodes), applied at a comfortable intensity (< 40 ..