Severe fecal incontinence (FI) is common in patients both with and without anorectal malformations. Whether a formal bowel management program (BMP) has significant effects on FI, psychosocial development of the child, and caregiver stress is poorly understood. We hypothesize that BMP participation results in long-term clinical and quality of life (QOL) improvements for patients and caregivers.
Using a prospective cohort study over three years, 342 children (age 3-12 years) and caregivers were followed for one year after attending a week-long BMP, during which a regimen was tailored to promote daily stool evacuation. FI QOL was measured with the validated Cincinnati Fecal Incontinence Scale (CINCY-FIS), evaluating multiple subscales, including parental stress. Scores were obtained at multiple timepoints following BMP (baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year).
Within 2 weeks, BMP participation significantly improved FI with increased frequency of daily daytime voluntary bowel movements (20% to 70%, p
