Diagnosis and treatment of constipation in children.

This review highlights the most significant progress in treatment of constipation occurring in the last year, underlying the advances in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of both organic and functional constipation. Recent developments in the field of the pathophysiology of idiopathic chronic constipation and Hirschsprung's disease are discussed. Furthermore, a description of the new methods, which may have considerable diagnostic potential in children with functional and organic constipation, is presented. Finally, the recent therapeutic approaches to pediatric constipation and fecal incontinence are illustrated.