Thickening of the Internal Anal Sphincter: Primary Cause or Secondary Effect of Constipation
Topic overview
This article examines whether internal anal sphincter (IAS) thickening is a primary cause of refractory pediatric constipation or a secondary adaptive response. The discussion focuses on IAS achalasia as a potentially correctable surgical condition in children who fail conservative management with diet and laxatives.
Key takeaways
- Most childhood constipation is idiopathic and responds to dietary changes and laxatives.
- Severe refractory constipation warrants evaluation for correctable surgical causes.
- Internal anal sphincter achalasia—failure of sphincter relaxation—is an overlooked surgical etiology.
- Pediatric surgeons must distinguish primary IAS pathology from secondary thickening due to chronic straining.
- Identifying IAS achalasia may prevent unnecessary prolonged medical management in select cases.
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How to cite: GlobalCastMD. Thickening of the Internal Anal Sphincter: Primary Cause or Secondary Effect of Constipation. GlobalCastMD Medical Library. 2023-10-07. https://dev.library.globalcastmd.com/article/8341?via_space=staycurrentmd
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