Since 2009 in France, the Peristeen® transanal irrigation (TAI) device has represented an alternative treatment of faecal incontinence (FI).

The primary objective of this study was to assess the mid-term adherence to TAI in paediatric patients. The secondary objective was to identify factors determining TAI continuation.

This observational study conducted in 5 French paediatric centres prospectively reviewed from March to May 2012 all children educated in TAI for at least 9months.

We included 149 children (mean [SD] age 10.6 [4.1] years) educated in TAI. Children mainly had neurogenic disorders (52.3%) or congenital malformations (30.9%). The main symptoms motivating TAI initiation were recurring faecaloma (59.7%) and daily FI (65.1%). At last follow-up (mean 14 [7.4] months), 129 (86.6%) children continued the TAI procedure, independent of pathology or age. The main motivation was resolution of FI and/or constipation (77.3%). In total, 107 (82.9%) children fulfilled the initial therapeutic contract established with their healthcare professional before TAI initiation was met. Twenty children had stopped the TAI when they answered the questionnaire, at a mean duration of 16 (8.4) months. The reasons were mainly “lack of motivation” (45%), “poor tolerance” (35%), “difficulties” performing the procedure (35%) and “inefficacy” (30%). Factors related to continuation were performing at least one TAI procedure under a nurse's supervision during the initial training and prescribing TAI at a daily frequency (P=0.014 and P=0.04). Continuing constipation treatment after the training session was a factor in discontinuation (P=0.024).

This study reports a very high mid-term adherence to TAI in a paediatric cohort, provided that the training is pragmatic, personalized and repeated.