Continence management in adolescence

Abstract

A young person’s relationships, education, and body image can be influenced by their physical health, especially in the case of urinary or faecal incontinence. The importance of a multidisciplinary team to manage the unique challenges in this cohort is becoming increasingly recognised, especially as medical care advances and more chronic diseases are reaching adulthood. This workshop outlined the multifaceted approach to managing urinary or faecal incontinence in adolescent patients reviewing current evidence. It reviews physiology, clinical assessment and investigations, psychological considerations and both operative and non operative management options. It addresses gold standard treatments as well as general principles as guidance for management if in a region with limited assessment or treatment modalities. As patients transition from childhood, management of chronic conditions needs to adapt to their changing needs and goals, which requires a flexible armamentarium of options in order to individualise care for patients.

Keywords

• Continence
• Adolescence
• Transitional care
• Urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence