Usefulness of ultrasound in diagnosing constipation in children: a narrative review - Report - MDSpire

Usefulness of ultrasound in diagnosing constipation in children: a narrative review

  • By

  • Katarzyna Bąk-Drabik

  • Martyna Laskowska

  • Katarzyna Głuszko

  • Marta Drabik

  • Giovanni Maconi

  • May 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Role of Ultrasound in Pediatric Constipation Diagnosis

Overview

This comprehensive review highlights the utility of ultrasound as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for pediatric constipation, particularly in distinguishing between functional and organic causes. It emphasizes the need for further standardization in methodology and diagnostic criteria.

Background

Chronic constipation in children is a prevalent issue, often leading to significant distress for both the child and their caregivers. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as treatment strategies differ markedly between functional and organic constipation. Ultrasound offers a promising, non-invasive option for assessing fecal retention and other related parameters in this population.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

Verify and adjust statistics to ensure they match the source material accurately.

Clinical Implications

Ultrasound may serve as a valuable adjunct in the diagnostic process for pediatric constipation, particularly in cases where organic causes are suspected. Clinicians should consider its use in conjunction with clinical assessments rather than as a primary screening tool.

Conclusion

Ultrasound presents a non-invasive option for evaluating pediatric constipation, but further research is needed to standardize its application and establish clear diagnostic criteria.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Barnes-Jewish, Beyond Laxatives: Surgical and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Pediatric Constipation
  2. The New Gastroenterologist, Avoid getting stuck: A practical guide to managing chronic constipation
  3. The New Gastroenterologist, Strategies for Effectively Managing Chronic Constipation: A Comprehensive Guide
  4. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Artificial intelligence-assisted approach to assessing bowel wall thickness in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease using intestinal ultrasound images
  5. BOWEL DISORDERS - ScienceDirect, Clinical guidelines on pediatric functional constipation
  6. Pediatric Radiology, Accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound to diagnose functional constipation and fecal impaction in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 2024 protocol for paediatric functional constipation treatment guidelines
  8. BOWEL DISORDERS - ScienceDirect
  9. Accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound to diagnose functional constipation and fecal impaction in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Pediatric Radiology | Springer Nature Link
  10. ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 2024 protocol for paediatric functional constipation treatment guidelines (standard operating procedure) - PMC

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