An overview of surgical stoma construction and its effects on the child and their family.

Having a stoma can be a difficult adjustment for the child or young person and his or her family. Children's stoma nurses provide support and education to the family at this time to help them come to terms with the changes this requires. This article discusses the different types of stoma, why a stoma might be needed, how the children's stoma nurse can help prepare the child or young person and his or her family for having a stoma, the practical aspects of stoma care and possible complications that might be experienced and how to manage them.

After the honeymoon comes divorce: long-term use of the antegrade continence enema procedure.

Background: Having reported that 18% of children discontinue use of the antegrade continence enema (ACE) after 5 years, we aimed to determine long-term use after an ACE procedure.

Methods: A postal/telephone questionnaire was conducted. Subjects were consecutive children undergoing an ACE between 1993 and 1999.

Management of childhood constipation: parents' experiences.

Background: Constipation in childhood is common and places a burden on child health services. Whilst constipation can have a variety of causes, for most children it is usually non-organic and requires limited intervention. It has been suggested that health professionals can resent consultations for such a common problem, believing them to be inappropriate.