Overview

• Ivan Novak, now five, was repeatedly taken to A&E in 2022, with 25 hospital admissions in six months and waits of up to 12 hours for enemas.
• A doctor estimated that about 2kg of the 12kg toddler’s bodyweight was stool, with his colon pushing organs toward his lungs and squashing his stomach.
• His mother says clinicians initially attributed distress to his genetic disabilities, contributing to a late diagnosis.
• Following diagnosis, his condition is managed with laxatives and daily bowel washouts to prevent further impaction.
• NHS figures report more than 44,000 constipation-related admissions for under-16s in 2023–24, while Bladder and Bowel UK cites 1.5 million affected children and a surge in helpline calls as schools return.