Abstract

MARTINEZ V., MARGARITA; RINCON L., LUIS CARLOS  and  ACOSTA, FÉLIX. SIMPLIFIED GAMMAGRAPHIC METHOD FOR THE STUDY OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC CONSTIPATION. rev.fac.med [online]. 2009, vol.17, n.2, pp.200-206. ISSN 0121-5256.

It is estimated that constipation is a common problem in children, accounting on the average as much as 25% of pediatric consultations. It has become a true challenge for the pediatric surgeon because no specific organic cause can be found in approximately 90% of the cases. Our study had two main objectives. First, to demonstrate the ability to replicate the method widely described in the literature and to simplify the gammagraphic exam described for the assessment of pediatric patients with chronic idiopathic constipation, and also to justify its use and value to provide enough information for the effective treatment of this pathology. This paper demonstrates that the gammagraphic colonic transit time is a viable and precise method for assessment of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. The advantages of gammagraphic studies against other types, which use radio-opaque markers, are evident. It is a well-tolerated method, non-invasive and furthermore provides minimal radioactive exposure.

Keywords : constipation; gastrointestinal transit; Hirschsprung disease.

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