bowel management program

The multidisciplinary bowel management program at Dayton Children's Hospital is for children who have refractory constipation or encopresis.

Refractory constipation is when a child is not able to poop regularly even after completing clean outs and taking laxatives (medication to help a person poop).

Encopresis is when a child leaks poop accidentally. These accidents usually happen due to the buildup of poop that is more difficult to pass with looser poop leaking around it. As the buildup of poop stretches the colon, the nerves have trouble telling the brain it's time to poop. Accidents can be very embarrassing for your child, leading to denial and hiding soiled underpants.

If your child is referred to the bowel management program, they will see multiple health care providers in a single location to address all aspects of care for refractory constipation and encopresis.

girl under a sign that says constipation

what your poo is telling you

Many children have constipation at one time or another. Come along with Sarah as she explains the signs of constipation and what you can do if you're experiencing similar symptoms.

who can benefit from the bowel management program?

how long does the bowel management program last?

The program lasts 12 months including an initial visit with a care team and follow up visits to include:

  1. A video visit follow up at 6 weeks
  2. A multidisciplinary visit in office at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months

Families should plan 1.5 to 2 hours for each of these visits (except for the virtual follow up at 6 weeks).

what testing may be considered while in the program?

what are management options considered while in the program?

Your child may need to do home bowel clean outs and maintenance laxative regimens using rectal therapy (suppository or enema), stool softeners and stimulant laxatives.

Your child may need additional or ongoing visits with physical therapy for pelvic floor training and/or with psychology for behavioral health management.

We will provide necessary school resources (i.e., 504 plan information, notes for bathroom privileges, etc).

Certain dietary modifications may be recommended.

what will my child's care team look like?

Your child will be seen by a physician assistant (medical provider), psychologist, social worker, dietitian, physical therapist and a nurse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica Alexander, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Peds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheryl Alvarez, RN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Baughman, RN, BSN, CPN 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Kolaczynski, MSW, LSW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Lyons, RDN, LD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica McCarthy, PsyD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brittany Zoll, PT, DPT

 

 


Source URL: https://www.childrensdayton.org/patients-visitors/services/gastroenterology/programs-and-services/bowel-management-program