AboutDavid Olson, MD Expertise I would be happy to attempt to answer any questions about general pediatric topics, either medical issues or behavioral issues. This would include all the various questions one receives in a busy pediatric practice. I`m a board certified pediatrician in northern Michigan and have been in practice for over 15 years. I enjoy the teaching role I have in our practice and would enjoy the opportunity to help others with their pediatric problems.
Question Hi DR David just a question about my 3 year old son he has had problems since he was a year old with not being able to pass stool we along with our doctor have tried everything but it seems that his back passage is not wide enough for it to pass through so he has decided to stretch it for my son can you tell me a bit about this procedure and how long it takes and how long he will be in hospital for Thank you for your help and look forward to hearing from you.
Answer Hi, Rachel,
I assume the "back passage" is the rectum. You English have quite the way with words!
Rectal stenosis, or a reduced size of the rectum, is not too common. Most normal kids don't need a rectal dilatation, but some do. Usually this is initially done under sedation and then parents can use sequential dilators to make sure this is staying open.
Make sure he doesn't have some bowel problem like Hirschsprung's disease.
