Effectiveness and independence - different treatments of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in children with myelomeningocele

Background Constipation is a major problem in children with myelomeningocele and may result in a range of problems from impaired growth to faecal incontinence. Treatment regimes differ between countries and comparisons between the different methods are rare. Apart from effectiveness aspects as time needed and factors related to possibilities of independence are also important. Dominating treatment regimes are oral laxatives, transrectal irrigation (TRI) and different kinds of irrigation via appendicostomy.