Bowel Management Program

Some children with anorectal malformations may experience bowel control issues. Children who experience chronic or recurring incontinence or constipation may attend Cincinnati Children’s Bowel Management Program.

The goal of the program, as a part of the #1 pediatric hospital in the U.S., is to help children achieve bowel control through the use of enemas, laxatives and/or enemas and, in some cases, medication and an individualized special diet.

Nearly 250 children participate in this program every year, and the majority of them are in normal underwear by the end of the program.

By maintaining the bowel management routine, these patients can avoid bowel accidents, permanent colostomy and dependence on diapers. The improvement in self-esteem and quality of life is often remarkable.

Program Overview

The Bowel Management Program is an intensive, week-long program offered 1-2 times per month at Cincinnati Children's.

Before participating in the program, your child will undergo a test to evaluate the motility of his or her colon — how food moves through the colon. Based on the test results and your child’s history, our team will develop a personalized plan to follow during the Bowel Management Program.

How the Program Works

The program begins on a Friday and ends the following Friday, involving daily visits to Cincinnati Children’s.

On the first day, you and your child will meet with one of our pediatric colorectal surgeons and a nurse from the Colorectal Center to establish a plan of treatment for the week.

Each day, your child will come in for an abdominal X-ray to determine how empty the colon is of stool. Our doctors and nurses meet every day to review these test results and make adjustments to the treatment plan as appropriate for your child.

Education is a big part of the Bowel Management Program. Throughout the week, a nurse will speak with you and your child daily to answer questions and provide information about maintaining the program regimen long term.