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Eur J Pediatr Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2536-4328
Original Article

Evaluating Access and Efficacy of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Pediatric Hirschsprung Disease

Shruthi Srinivas 
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Sarah Driesbach
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Madeline Su
2   College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Aymin Bahhur
2   College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Elizabeth Thomas
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Casey Trimble
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Pooja Zahora
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Katherine Bergus
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Alessandra C. Gasior
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Ihab Halaweish
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Richard J. Wood
1   Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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Abstract

Background

In patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD), pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is recommended for persistent incontinence or constipation refractory to other treatment, but there are no studies on utilization of PFPT. We aimed to assess clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with successful establishment of PFPT and outcomes following PFPT.

Methods

We performed a single-institution, retrospective chart review of patients with HD referred to PFPT between 2020 and 2023, involving both exercise and biofeedback. Data were collected on clinical factors, sociodemographics, and symptoms before and after PFPT. Those who “saw PFPT,” defined as at least one in-person appointment, were compared to those who did not see PFPT; symptoms were also compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 83 patients, of which 37 (44.6%) saw PFPT. There were no differences in age, transition zone, prior interventions, or symptoms. Half of the patients who saw PFPT only completed an initial visit; one-fifth completed the series. Most common reason for failure to see PFPT was scheduling issues. Patients who failed to see PFPT had financial stressors (42.5% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.02) and required formal support systems (28.2% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.02). In patients seeing PFPT, incontinence significantly improved (81.1% before vs. 40.5% after, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Although PFPT is recommended in children with HD, those with financial stressors or scheduling issues may have barriers to access. However, those who see PFPT have improved symptoms. This suggests a need for improved accessibility of pediatric PFPT to children with HD, such as integration of PFPT into colorectal clinics.

Keywords

aganglionosis - pediatric colorectal surgery - healthcare utilization - Hirschsprung disease - pelvic floor physical therapy


Publication History

Received: 30 May 2024

Accepted: 09 February 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
11 February 2025

Article published online:
27 March 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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