Al-Beltagi M. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric fecal incontinence: A comprehensive review and treatment algorithm. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(4): 120203 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.120203]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, 1 Hassan Radwan Street, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt. mbelrem@hotmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Pediatrics
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review-article
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Al-Beltagi M. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric fecal incontinence: A comprehensive review and treatment algorithm. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(4): 120203 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.120203]
World J Clin Pediatr. Dec 9, 2026; 15(4): 120203 Published online Dec 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.120203
Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric fecal incontinence: A comprehensive review and treatment algorithm
Mohammed Al-Beltagi
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Department of Pediatric, University Hospital, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
Author contributions: Al-Beltagi M is the sole author of this article; Al-Beltagi M was responsible for conceptualizing and designing the review, conducting an extensive literature search and data acquisition, performing the analysis and interpretation of the integrated biological models, and drafting the manuscript; Al-Beltagi M critically revised the work for intellectual content, designed the clinical algorithms and tables, and provided final approval for publication.
AI contribution statement: No AI writing tools (such as ChatGPT, DeepL, or similar platforms) were used in the preparation of our manuscript. The manuscript was written entirely by the authors. The only tool used during the writing process was Grammarly, which is integrated into Microsoft Office, and was utilized solely for basic grammar correction and minor language refinement. It did not contribute to content generation, data analysis, or scientific writing.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Professor Mohammed Al-Beltagi, declares that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. No external funding was received for the preparation of this review, and the author has no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
Corresponding author: Mohammed Al-Beltagi, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, 1 Hassan Radwan Street, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt. mbelrem@hotmail.com
Received: February 24, 2026 Revised: April 8, 2026 Accepted: May 11, 2026 Published online: December 9, 2026 Processing time: 211 Days and 23.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Pediatric fecal incontinence is a multifactorial disorder with functional, neurodevelopmental, and organic causes. Early recognition, accurate subtype differentiation, and structured, individualized bowel programs are essential for optimal outcomes. Functional retentive forms respond to disimpaction, maintenance laxatives, and behavioral strategies, whereas non-retentive and neurodevelopmentally complex cases require psychological interventions and caregiver-guided routines. Organic etiologies often require long-term, multidisciplinary care, surgical intervention, or neuromodulation. Psychosocial burden on children and families is significant and must be addressed. Emerging approaches—including gut-brain axis modulation, microbiome-targeted therapies, and digital behavioral platforms—promise precision, personalized care, and improved long-term quality of life.
