Our team helps children with colorectal and pelvic conditions, including anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease, achieve bowel control using proven methods that get results. We customize a plan that works for your child, so they can be active, independent and confident.

Some children are born with certain conditions, such as anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease, that make it hard for them to control their bowels – even after successful surgery. These conditions affect the bowels and pelvis and can cause long-term problems, including constipation, diarrhea and stool (poop) accidents.

At the Children’s Health℠ Colorectal and Pelvic Center, our experienced team offers an intensive bowel management program for children and their caregivers. We designed our 8-day outpatient program specifically for children with anorectal malformations (ARM), Hirschsprung disease, cloacal malformations and other pelvic conditions. During this program, we teach you and your child the techniques to help prevent stool accidents. Our goal is for your child to be able to stay clean in their underwear so they can enjoy their daily activities accident-free.

Difficulty with bowel control (called fecal incontinence) can affect your child’s daily life at home and in school, friendships and other social situations. Our customized treatment plans not only support bowel management, but also enhance your child’s social-emotional development, mental health and overall well-being. We’re dedicated to supporting your family with care that improves your child’s quality of life.

What is bowel management for children?

Bowel management helps children at toilet-training age who are having difficulty achieving bowel control (continence) or experience severe constipation. Our Bowel Management Week is designed for these children once they reach an age-appropriate time to be out of diapers, such as preschool age. Our team creates a customized plan to ensure that your child has daily bowel movements and can stay clean, without accidents.

A successful bowel management plan includes therapies that work together to help your child achieve bowel control. Depending on their specific needs, your child may need one or more therapies, such as laxatives, enemas, fiber, antidiarrheal medications and dietary changes.