Anorectal disorders are common in children. More than one third of toddlers in the United Kingdom and children younger than 12 years in Brazil were considered by their parents to be constipated.<sup>30 Loening Baucke V. Constipation in children N Engl J Med 1998 ;  339 : 1155

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> It has been estimated that 10% of children are brought to medical attention because of a defecation disorder, and constipation is the chief complaint in 3% to 5% of all visits to pediatricians. Most of these children suffer from functional constipation, a condition that has been called psychogenic megacolon, functional fecal retention, idiopathic constipation, and stool withholding. There are substantial differences in the approach to children and adults with anorectal disorders (Table 1). The child's developmental stage; the interaction between patient, family, and peers; and the presence of behavioral and psychologic comorbidity need to be assessed carefully. This article discusses the most common pediatric anorectal disorders, emphasizing the differences between children and adults in terms of clinical presentations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.