An estimated one in three children suffers from constipation at some point. In fact, constipation in kids is the cause of thousands of pediatrician visits every year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation is even more common in children with neurogenic bowel dysfunction, a condition in which the nerves that control bowel function do not work properly.
Constipation can be treated in many ways ranging from managing fluid and diet to using medications. Still, for thousands of people, these treatments aren’t always effective and surgery may be required.
A new treatment option
Fortunately, there’s a new option once other methods have been tried and before considering surgery. Peristeen is an anal irrigation system, and Norton Children’s Urology is the only location in Kentucky to offer it to pediatric patients.
“Children with chronic constipation from neurogenic bowel, resulting in soiling or poor bowel control, have had limited treatment options until now,” said Dennis Peppas, M.D., pediatric urologist with Norton Children’s Urology. “With this system, we have another form of treatment.”
Peristeen uses a catheter with an inflatable balloon and manual control unit with pump, leg straps and a bag to hold water. It uses a constant-flow pump that does not rely on gravity, so the user does not need to hang the bag up for the water to flow. The system can be used while sitting on a toilet or shower chair.
Peristeen can help:
- Reduce symptoms of constipation and fecal incontinence
- Improve quality of life
- Improve bowel function and level of daily activity
- Reduce daily time spent on bowel management
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to Norton Children’s Urology, click here for the online referral form, or call (502) 629-1234, option 3.