Functional Constipation and Nonretentive Fecal Incontinence in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Guideline for Assessment and Treatment

Objective: Constipation and fecal incontinence are common disorders in children and adolescents and are associated with incapacitation and a high rate of comorbid psychological disorders. Functional constipation and nonretentive fecal incontinence can be differentiated according to the current Rome-IV classification systems. This interdisciplinary guideline aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding somatic and psychiatric assessment and treatment. It formulates consensus-based, practical recommendations. Methods: The members of the Guideline Commission consisted of 11 professional associations and a parental organization. The guideline was based on current literature searches, several online surveys, and consensus conferences based on standard procedures. Results: Functional constipation is much more common than nonretentive fecal incontinence. Constipation requires a detailed medical assessment to exclude somatic causes, especially in young children. Red flags are useful indicators of organic causes to be considered. Most cases of constipation are functional (approximately 95 %). Counseling, toilet training, disimpaction, and long-term oral laxatives, combined with cognitive-behavioral interventions, are most effective. The assessment and treatment of nonretentive fecal incontinence are similar. The rate of somatic factors is much lower (approximately 1 %). Laxatives can worsen outcomes and should be avoided. Comorbid psychological disorders are common (approximately 30 % to 50 %). They should be assessed and treated additionally according to evidence-based guidelines. Conclusions: The recommendations of this guideline were approved with a high consensus. Interdisciplinary cooperation is especially important, as somatic factors and comorbid psychological disorders and symptoms need to be considered. More research is required, especially regarding nonretentive fecal incontinence.