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Standardization of radiograph readings during bowel management week

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Abstract

Introduction

During “bowel management week,” abdominal radiographs are used to monitor the amount and location of stool. A radiologist familiar with the treatment plan can provide an improved interpretation. The goal of this paper is to standardize the radiological reports during a bowel management week.

Methods

We saw 744 patients during bowel management week from May 2016 until March 2023. Diagnosis included: anorectal malformation (397), idiopathic constipation (180), Hirschsprung disease (89), and spina bifida (78). Laxatives were the treatment for 51% of patients, and 49% received enemas. Characteristic radiographs were selected for each treatment group for a proposed reading standardization.

Results

When the stool is visualized, it is crucial to report its location. Having a contrast enema helps with the correct interpretation of the colonic anatomy. It is also essential to always compare the amount of stool with the radiograph from the previous day to determine if there is an increase or decrease in stool. Examples of radiographs are shown to guide the use of the preferred proposed terminology.

Conclusion

Providing information regarding which treatment modality the patient is receiving and stating that a patient is on a bowel management week treatment is crucial for the radiologist to provide adequate interpretation. The radiologist must be familiar with the treatment goals and purpose of the daily radiograph.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA

    A. Bischoff, A. Merritt, M. Wickham, L. Schneider, H. Martin, J. Ketzer, V. Rodriguez, A. Peña & L. De La Torre

  2. Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA

    K. Hayes

  3. Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    C. Guimaraes

Authors
  1. A. Bischoff
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  2. K. Hayes
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  3. C. Guimaraes
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  4. A. Merritt
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  5. M. Wickham
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  6. L. Schneider
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  7. H. Martin
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  8. J. Ketzer
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  9. V. Rodriguez
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  10. A. Peña
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  11. L. De La Torre
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Contributions

AB wrote the manuscript All other authors edit and reviewed the manuscript

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Bischoff.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Bischoff, A., Hayes, K., Guimaraes, C. et al. Standardization of radiograph readings during bowel management week. Pediatr Surg Int 39, 236 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-023-05513-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-023-05513-y

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