Fifteen-minute consultation: Management of constipation in childhood.

Constipation is common in childhood. It is a frequent presentation to primary care and common reason for referral to secondary and tertiary care. In the majority of cases, childhood constipation is idiopathic, with no significant underlying cause, but still presents a significant issue to patients, families and healthcare providers.

How to use the Bristol Stool Chart in childhood constipation.

Constipation in children is common and is a frequent cause for healthcare attendances in both primary and secondary care. The Bristol Stool Chart has become ubiquitous as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of constipation, but many clinicians may not be aware of its origins or strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we outline the history and rationale behind the development of the Bristol Stool Chart and how it should be used in childhood constipation.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Fertility preservation in children with cancer.

Advances in the treatment of childhood cancer have led to significant numbers of children surviving into adulthood and beyond. There is therefore an increasing focus on reduction of long-term effects of treatment including subfertility. In this article, we give an overview of the different methods of fertility preservation and how to discuss this important topic in children newly diagnosed with cancer.