Effectiveness of senna vs polyethylene glycol as laxative therapy in children with constipation related to anorectal malformation.

Purpose: Constipation is present in 80% of children with corrected anorectal malformations, usually associated to rectal dilation and hypomotility. Osmotic laxatives are routinely used for idiopathic constipation. Senna is a stimulant laxative that produces contractions improving colonic motility without affecting the stool consistency.