Personalized Bowel Regimen

More children with colorectal anomalies and chronic constipation are becoming accident-free with assistance from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. We use personalized bowel regimens to help families establish a daily routine for bowel emptying.

Bowel regimens use a combination of therapies, such as enemas, medications and diet changes, that make it easier to poop. Regimens provide lasting relief from uncontrolled bowel movements.

Personalized Bowel Regimen for Children with Chronic Constipation

Even with the best available colorectal anomaly treatments, some children cannot control bowel movements. This is especially true with chronic constipation. Personalized bowel regimens from Children’s Hospital make living with these conditions more manageable.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Innovative treatments: Surgeons create a connection to the large intestine from an opening in the belly button. The opening makes it easier for your child to perform an enema without assistance. And it looks like a natural belly button when not in use.
  • More independence: Your child also has access to the Peristeen Anal Irrigation System. This device enables older children to self-administer an enema without an appendicostomy. Peristeen uses a pump to place enema solution higher up in the colon, providing quicker, more efficient colon emptying.
  • Support: Learning and maintaining your child’s bowel regimen is a team effort. We provide extensive training through our one-week bowel management program. If bowel accidents recur, we are here for you. Our team reviews your child’s regimen and makes necessary adjustments.
  • Assistance: A daily bowel regimen requires a variety of medical supplies and medications. If you are having difficulty maintaining supplies at home, our team steps in to help. We may call your insurance company to get authorizations. Social workers provide additional assistance and may refer you to community resources.

Personalized Bowel Regimen for Chronic Constipation: What to Expect

Your child’s regimen may include:

Enema

An enema uses a tube to deliver a sterile solution to the intestines. The solution contains water or saline and a lubricating substance that softens stool.

There are three methods for delivering an enema:

  • Appendicostomy: This method involves placing a tube in the belly button. With training, your child can do it without assistance while sitting on the toilet.
  • Peristeen: Your child uses this rectal enema while sitting on the toilet. The device has a pump to deliver the enema solution to a larger area of colon. And a balloon at the tip of the tube holds the solution in place for a longer time.
  • Traditional rectal enema: Your child lies down on a towel and you place tubing in the rectum. The tubing connects to a squeeze bottle with a nozzle that delivers the enema solution.

Laxatives

Children who have good bowel control but still require assistance pooping may do well with laxatives instead of an enema.

Laxatives come in different strengths and types, including:

  • Bulking agents, which form stool that’s big enough to trigger a bowel movement.
  • Lubricants, which contain oil to slow water absorption so that stool remains soft.
  • Osmotics, which add water to stool.
  • Stimulants, which speed up the body’s natural stool elimination process.
  • Stool softeners, which make stool pliable and easier to pass.

Other Medications

Some medications can optimize digestive system function, making bowel movements more predictable. We may prescribe medications that:

  • Bring more water into the intestines.
  • Stimulate muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Increase fluid secretions that keep stools soft.

Nutrition therapy

A balanced diet can help your child have regular bowel movements. Each child’s needs are different, which is why our team includes a nutritionist.

The nutritionist lets you know how much fiber and fluid your child should consume. We also recommend food and drinks that help your child achieve these goals.

Comprehensive Colorectal and Pelvic Anomaly Care for Children

We offer access to multiple pediatric subspecialists in one convenient location in Los Angeles. Find out more about our Colorectal Center.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a colorectal and pelvic anomaly specialist, call 323-361-5711.