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Functional Fecal Incontinence

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Pediatric Neurogastroenterology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

Involuntary and inappropriate loss of feces after the age of 4 years (fecal incontinence) is inconvenient and frustrating for the child and can have a big impact on the other family members. Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common symptom in children, prevalence numbers change with age and vary in different studies. A recent study showed a prevalence of fecal incontinence in 4.1 % in a 5- to 6-year-old age group and 1.6 % in an 11- to 12-year-old age group, with a 1.5-fold higher prevalence in boys. Over 90 % of children with FI are considered to have a functional defecation disorder, in only a minority an organic cause is found. Medical history and a thorough physical examination are essential to differentiate between functional and organic causes. Given the accompanied shame and distress, an accurate diagnostic and treatment approach is essential in children with fecal incontinence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Emma Children’s Hospital/Academic Medical Centre, H7-Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Rosa Burgers M.D. & Marc A. Benninga M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Rosa Burgers M.D.
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  2. Marc A. Benninga M.D., Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marc A. Benninga M.D., Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sainte-Justine Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada

    Christophe Faure

  2. Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, 43205, Ohio, USA

    Carlo Di Lorenzo

  3. Gastroenterology and Neural Development, University College London, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom

    Nikhil Thapar

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Burgers, R., Benninga, M.A. (2013). Functional Fecal Incontinence. In: Faure, C., Di Lorenzo, C., Thapar, N. (eds) Pediatric Neurogastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_40

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

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