Prospective switch study comparing two irrigation systems for transanal irrigation in children

Background and study aims : Transanal irrigation (TAI) is used in children to treat constipation and incontinence. Belgium has 2 systems available: Colotip (R) (cheaper, however not designed for TAI) or Peristeen (R). Patients and methods : This patient-control switch study is the first to compare 2 TAI systems. Children regularly using Colotip (R) for TAI were asked to participate, after consent, a visual analogue scale (VAS) rating the system and a 2-week diary (fecal continence, self-reliance, time spent on the toilet, pain, Bristol stool scale, irrigation volume and frequency of enema) were completed. Non-parametric statistics were used. Results : Out of 26 children using Colotip (R) (69%) children participated and 5 refused (fear n=1, satisfaction Colotip (R) system n=7). Of these 18 children (interquartile range: 3-18 years, median 12.5 years, 9 girls) 5 patients stopped Peristeen (R) (pain n=1, fear n=1 and balloon loss n=3) and 2 were lost from follow up. Dropouts and included patients showed no statistical difference. In the 11 remaining patients, pseudo-continence (p 0.015), independence (p 0.01) and VAS score (p 0.007) were significantly better with Peristeen (R), no difference was found in time spent on the toilet (p 0.288) and presence of pain (p 0.785). Conclusions : In children Peristeen (R) offered significantly higher pseudo-continence and independency. 30% refused participation because of satisfaction with the Colotip (R) and 30% spina bifida patients reported rectal balloon loss due to sphincter hypotony. To diminish Peristeen (R) failure, a test-catheter could be of value. Considering Colotip (R) satisfaction, both systems should be available. Patient selection for Peristeen (R) needs further research