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PubMed1997

[Treament of morphine-induced constipation with oral naloxone].

INTRODUCTION: Almost all patients treated with opioids suffer from constipation. Numerous laxatives are used to overcome the problem, but none has yet been found to yield favourable results in all patients. Several studies have attempted to reverse opioid-induced constipation by the use of oral naloxone. Experiments carried out in rats showed that morphine-induced constipation is reduced by oral naloxone without impairment of antinociception [4]. However, evaluation of clinical studies reveals that there is uncertainty about the dosage regimen (the daily dose of naloxone ranged from 0.5% to about 60% that of morphine) and a lack of larger numbers of patients studied. METHODS: Fifteen patients suffering from opioid-induced constipation participated in the present study. Constipation had been present for 5 to 14 days despite the use of laxatives. According to the results obtained in the animal experiments [4], it was originally planned to administer oral naloxone at a dose ratio of 1:1 with respect to morphine on day 1 and 2; reducing it on day 3 and 4 to one-half and then to one-fourth of the initial dose on day 5 and 6. RESULTS: Twelve patients experienced a strong laxative effect with spontaneous bowel evacuation 1 to 4 h after the first intake of oral naloxone. Three patients had no laxative effects even after repeated doses. Eleven of the 15 patients reported an average loss of 10%-15% of analgesia after oral naloxone as measured by visual analogue scales. Increasing the morphine dose by about 15% restored the previous level of analgesia without reappearance of constipation. Eight of the 12 patients having a laxative effect experienced abdominal cramps, and therefore, the total dose of naloxone was reduced on day 2 to 2%-15% of that originally planned; this dose still produced a laxative effect. Four of the 15 patients had a withdrawal syndrome. A single dose of morphine equivalent to their daily morphine intake abolished the symptoms. DISCUSSION: The medical history of the 3 patients in whom naloxone failed to abolish constipation revealed neurological disturbances. Treatment of these patients included the use of neuroleptics, antiemetics, and other drugs. In this context, it should be noted that oral naloxone can be expected to abolish only opioid-induced constipation. In conclusion, it was found that the treatment of opioid-induced constipation by administration of oral naloxone produced positive results. A controlled study will show, whether the side effects can be minimized by reducing the naloxone dose.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Constipation in advanced cancer patients.

Constipation is a frequent, distressing, and underestimated complication in patients with advanced cancer. It may develop from general disturbances that may or may not be cancer related, but the use of opioids is one of the main causes in this population. Opioids affect the intestine by reducing motility and secretions and by increasing fluid absorption and blood flow. Untreated constipation may lead to several complications. Effective management of constipation starts with a careful assessment of the patient, including the history of the frequency and difficulty of defaecation, symptoms caused by constipation, and physical and rectal examinations. When the diagnosis of constipation is unclear, an abdominal X-ray may be required. The treatment of constipation includes general interventions, such as the availability of comfort and privacy or the elimination of medical factors that may contribute to constipation, and therapeutic interventions including oral or rectal laxatives and the use of prokinetic drugs and naloxone. The purpose of this paper is to review the pathophysiology and causes of constipation and the effects of opioids on the gastrointestinal tract, and to propose an approach for its assessment and management. Randomized clinical trials between different laxatives and/or prokinetic agents in cancer patients are needed, and future studies should focus on the validation of different clinical assessment tools for constipation.

Constipation↗
PubMed2002

Role of nitric oxide in the colon of patients with slow-transit constipation.

PURPOSE: The cause of dysmotility in patients with slow-transit constipation is unknown. Nitric oxide has recently been shown to be a neurotransmitter in the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory nerves of the human gut. To clarify the physiologic significance of nitric oxide in the colon of patients with slow-transit constipation, we investigated the enteric nerve responses in lesional and normal bowel segments derived from patients with slow-transit constipation and patients who underwent colon resection for colonic cancers. METHODS: Twenty-six preparations were taken from colonic lesions in eight patients with slow-transit constipation (2 men; age, 23 to 69 (mean, 44.8) years). Forty-two preparations were taken from the normal colons of 14 patients with colonic cancer (8 men; age, 40 to 66 (mean, 52.4) years). A mechanographic technique was used to evaluate in vitro muscle responses to electric field stimulation before and after treatment with various autonomic nerve blockers, NG-nitro-L-arginine, and L-arginine. RESULTS: The colons of patients with slow-transit constipation were more strongly innervated by nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory nerves than were normal colons (P <0.05). Nitric oxide was found to act on both normal and slow-transit constipation colons. The colons of patients with slow-transit constipation were more strongly innervated by nitric oxide nerves than were normal colons (P < 0.01). Responses to electric field stimulation were the same in each case among the normal colons and were also the same in each case among the slow-transit constipation colons. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an increase of nitric oxide mediates nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory nerves and plays an important role in the dysmotility observed in the colons of patients with slow-transit constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Changes in colorectal function in severe idiopathic chronic constipation.

Physiologic studies of colorectal and anal function were performed in 25 adult patients with severe idiopathic long-standing constipation compared with 22 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Only patients with primary severe idiopathic constipation with no known underlying primary etiology have been studied. No significant changes were observed in the resting or squeeze anal canal pressures. There was indirect evidence that rectal sensation was grossly impaired in 17 of the constipated patients: mean values for constant sensation compared with controls being 269 +/- 21 ml and 136 +/- 10.3 ml, respectively (p less than 0.01). The mean anorectal angles during attempted defecation were significantly less in constipated patients compared with controls (p less than 0.001), and 10 patients were unable to evacuate from the rectum a balloon containing 150 ml of a weak barium suspension. Electromyography of the pelvic floor showed increased puborectalis activity on attempted defecation in 9 subjects. Although there was no significant difference in the basal sigmoid motility index between constipated patients and controls, response to intrarectal bisacodyl (5 mg) was impaired in the constipated group, being 479 +/- 22.1 and 735 +/- 24.7, respectively (p less than 0.01). Transit time was significantly delayed in the constipated patients; the percentage of markers passed by constipated patients after 5 days was 39.0 +/- 6.9 compared with 73.9 +/- 2.8 passed by controls (p less than 0.02). These results imply that there is often a motor abnormality of the pelvic floor and the colon in patients with long-standing chronic constipation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The assessment of constipation in monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis.

OBJECTIVES: Nocturnal enuresis and constipation are common pediatric problems. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of constipation in children with or without monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis. METHODS: The study included 5350 children, ages 5-19 years, who were surveyed to detect the incidence of nocturnal enuresis. Of those surveyed, 679 (12.7%) had primary nocturnal enuresis. All children were questioned by mail with a standard form that addressed their micturition and defecation habits. The children those who had primary nocturnal enuresis were invited to the Pediatric Urology Section of the University Hospital. Of those 679 children, 125 kept that invitation. All 125 of those children underwent an abdominal ultrasound. Also, these children had serum creatinine levels drawn and plain abdominal films taken. RESULTS: Constipation, defined as less than 3 bowel movements per week, was seen in 48 of 679 children with nocturnal enuresis (7.06%). Of those 4671 children without nocturnal enuresis, only 68 (1.45%) had constipation. The difference in constipation between the two groups was statistically significant (z = -9.251; p = 0.000). Of note, 10 of the 125 children (8%), evaluated at the hospital, had constipation. None of the children had an abnormal neurologic examination. Finally, faecal loading was detected on the plain films of 8 of the 125 children evaluated, 7 of who had constipation. The sensitivity of grading plain films for faecal loading to denote constipation in this population was 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Children with primary nocturnal enuresis should be thoroughly assessed for coexisting constipation.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2003

Coping strategies, illness perception, anxiety and depression of patients with idiopathic constipation: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation has important psychological elements. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of functional constipation in an Asian population, and the interplay among functional constipation, anxiety/depression, perception and coping strategies. METHODS: An interview of 3282 patients was made by telephone survey. Constipation was diagnosed by Rome II criteria. Coping ability and anxiety/depression were assessed by validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the interviewees had constipation. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in constipated than in healthy subjects (P < 0.0001 and < 0.0001), and in female than male patients (P = 0.02 and < 0.0001). Patients who were aware of their symptoms perceived greater impact on their lives (P < 0.001). Frequent use of coping strategies associated with lower anxiety scores (P < 0.0001). Female were more frequently aware of the symptoms (P = 0.004), less frequently used coping strategies (P = 0.008). Regression analysis showed that female and high anxiety level were the independent factors for predicting the perception of constipation, whereas anxiety was the only independent factor for predicting the use of coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Constipation associated with anxiety and depression is prevalent in the general Asian population. Female sex and anxiety are important aetiological factors in constipation, affecting perception and the use of coping strategies.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Rectal sensorimotor characteristics in female patients with idiopathic constipation with or without paradoxical sphincter contraction.

Patients with chronic constipation fulfilling the Thompson criteria can show paradoxical sphincter contraction. Aim of this study was to evaluate rectal sensorimotor characteristics in patients with constipation with or without paradoxical sphincter contraction. Thirty female patients with chronic constipation and 22 female controls were investigated with anal manometry and rectal barostat. Paradoxical sphincter contraction was shown with manometry as a paradoxical increase of anal pressure during straining. Visceral sensitivity and compliance were tested by intermittent and continuous pressure-controlled distension. Patients were classified according to their sensations and compliance into normal, hypersensitive, reduced compliant, insensitive or excessive compliant rectum. Postprandial rectal response (PRR) and phasic volume events (PVEs) were registered for 1 h after a 600-kCal meal. Paradoxical sphincter contraction was found in 13 (43%) patients. In these patients, rectal sensitivity scores were higher (P = 0.045) than in patients without paradoxical contractions, but rectal compliance was not different. In 90% of patients an abnormal rectal sensitivity or compliance was found: excessively compliant in 35%, reduced compliant in 10%, hypersensitive in 27% and hyposensitive in 17%. Both patients with constipation (11%; P = 0.042) and controls (25%; P = 0.002) exhibited the presence of a postprandial rectal response. This response was not significantly different between idiopathic constipation, paradoxical sphincter contraction and controls. Patients with rectal hypersensitivity had lower response than other patients (P = 0.04). Patients with constipation had fewer basal PVEs compared controls (P = 0.03). Postprandial PVEs increased in both patients (P = 0.014) and controls (P < 0.001). Postprandial rectal response and PVE were not different in patients with or without paradoxical sphincter contraction. A total of 90% of female patients with idiopathic constipation show an abnormality in rectal sensation or compliance. The postprandial rectal response was comparable between patients with constipation and controls, however, PVEs were diminished. Patients with paradoxical sphincter contraction had higher rectal sensitivity but an unaltered compliance and postprandial rectal response. Future trials should investigate whether the classification of rectal abnormalities in patients with constipation has clinical importance.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Constipation in school-aged children at public schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Constipation in childhood is a significant problem worldwide; however, understanding of its epidemiology is limited. Some investigators in the United States have estimated the prevalence of constipation to be 1.2% to 8.0% in the general population. In Brazil, some have found a prevalence of up to 36%. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive, observational prevalence study included 391 pupils (age range, 8-10 years) who were attending three public education centers in Rio de Janeiro. The prevalence of constipation, associated symptoms, and dietary fiber intake were evaluated by questionnaire. A child was considered to be constipated when he or she reported difficulty in defecating two or more times per week. The children were divided into constipated and nonconstipated groups, and the presence of fecal soiling, blood in the feces, and shape of the feces were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of the children were constipated. There was no significant difference between the sexes. Blood in the stools was significantly more frequently reported by the constipated children (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the prevalence and frequency of fecal soiling or in the stool shape between the constipated and nonconstipated children (p > 0.1). Fiber content in the diet ranged from 3.4 to 4.8 g per day, which is below the range recommended. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of constipation in Rio de Janeiro is similar to the rates reported in all of Brazil and in a recent study from the United Kingdom but is much higher than that in the United States. In addition, the school menu was found to contain inadequate dietary fiber content.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Polyethylene glycol 3350 for constipation in children with dysfunctional elimination.

PURPOSE: Children with daytime wetting often have constipation, and treatment of constipation helps children become dry. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax, Braintree Laboratories, Braintree, Massachusetts) is a nonaddictive, tasteless powder that can be mixed with any liquid for treatment of constipation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review our use of polyethylene glycol 3350 in 35 girls and 11 boys with dysfunctional elimination. Noninvasive urodynamic studies and post-void residual measurement were performed before and during treatment. RESULTS: A significant increase in frequency of bowel movements occurred while taking polyethylene glycol 3350 (p = 0.0001). Average final dose was 0.63 gm/kg. The only reported adverse effect was diarrhea (9 patients). Of the children 18 became dry, 26 had decreased wetting and 2 had no improvement. Voided volume increased (146 vs 210 ml, p <0.0001) and post-void residual decreased significantly (92 vs 48 ml, p <0.0001) while on polyethylene glycol 3350. Ten children were still considered constipated including both patients who experienced no change in wetting. Average final dose in this group (0.69 gm/kg) did not differ significantly from those in whom constipation resolved (0.61 gm/kg). Patients in whom constipation resolved had a significantly lower post-void residual than those who remained constipated (11.8% vs 30.6%, p <0.01) and were significantly more likely to become dry or improved (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy, compliance and lack of significant side effects make polyethylene glycol 3350 an ideal substance for treatment of constipation in children with dysfunctional elimination. Persistent constipation was associated with decreased resolution of voiding symptoms and significantly increased post-void residuals.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed2004

Incidence of constipation associated with long-acting opioid therapy: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Opioid therapy plays a key role in the management of chronic pain. Constipation is one of the more frequently occurring adverse effects associated with opioid therapy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design study was conducted to determine the incidence of constipation in chronic pain patients who received three different long-acting opioids (transdermal fentanyl, oxycodone HCl controlled-release [CR], or morphine CR) for malignant or nonmalignant chronic pain. The data source was claims data (January 1996 through March 2001) from a 20% random sample of the California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) database. Claims data were from adult patients with chronic pain (malignant or nonmalignant) who had no prior diagnosis of constipation and no prior usage of long-acting opioids for at least 3 months before the observation period. Patients were followed for at least 3 months after the initiation of opioid therapy. ICD-9 code for diagnosis of constipation was the main outcome variable. Crude rates of constipation, annual incidence density, relative risk, and adjusted odds ratios were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1,836 patients (601 receiving transdermal fentanyl, 721 receiving oxycodone CR, and 514 receiving morphine CR) were included in the analysis. Crude (unadjusted) rates of constipation were 3.7% for transdermal fentanyl, 6.1% for oxycodone CR, and 5.1% for morphine CR (P > 0.05). Transdermal fentanyl had a lower annual incidence density and risk of constipation than oxycodone CR and morphine CR (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding variables, including race and supplemental opioid use, the adjusted risk of constipation was 78% greater in the oxycodone CR group (P = 0.0337) and 44% greater in the morphine CR group (P = 0.2242) than in the transdermal fentanyl group. CONCLUSION: In this population, patients receiving transdermal fentanyl had a lower risk of developing constipation compared with those receiving oxycodone CR or morphine CR.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Dietary factors in the aetiology and treatment of constipation during pregnancy.

Using a 7-day weighed-intake method, dietary factors implicated in the aetiology of constipation were examined by comparison between the nutrient intakes of nine women with constipation in the third trimester of pregnancy who had not altered their diets, and a matched group of nine women who had not suffered constipation at any time during pregnancy. No significant differences were found for intakes of major nutrients, including dietary fibre, between the constipated and non-constipated groups, indicating that inappropriate diets do not appear to be the primary cause of constipation during pregnancy. The nutrient intakes of 40 women with constipation in the third trimester of pregnancy were examined to assess dietary changes made in attempts to treat constipation. No difference in intakes of dietary fibre were found between those who claimed to have increase their intakes, and those who had not altered their diets. Both were well below the level of dietary fibre intake known to be successful in treating constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with constipation in an elderly Asian community.

OBJECTIVE: We surveyed elderly individuals in an Asian community to determine the prevalence of constipation and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. This information will be used to plan a health promotion program for the elderly. METHODS: A random sample of 2807 residents aged > or = 60 yr in Singapore were interviewed in their homes, using a standardized questionnaire. The response rate was 87.4% (n = 2454). RESULTS: The overall age- and gender-adjusted prevalence rate of functional constipation was 11.6 per 100 persons (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4-11.7). There were no gender or ethnic differences in constipation rates. Increased rates of constipation were significantly associated with advancing age. We found a significant dose-response relationship of increased constipation rates with decreased intake of rice, increased intake of Chinese tea, and number of chronic illnesses and medications, after controlling for potential confounders. Constipation was also significantly associated with lower intake of fruits and vegetables, but no dose-response gradient was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Patients taking many medications should be monitored for constipation and given advice to avoid constipating factors. Further studies are needed to establish the causal-effect relationship of rice and Chinese tea with constipation.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

An epidemiological survey of constipation in canada: definitions, rates, demographics, and predictors of health care seeking.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of functional constipation is highly variable among epidemiological surveys and may relate to the definitions applied. We estimated the population prevalence of self-reported, Rome I-defined, and Rome II-defined constipation in Canada and determined the variables that best predicted health care seeking. METHODS: A research firm was employed to conduct a random digit dial national survey, inviting household members at least 18 yr of age to participate in a study assessing personal health issues. The sample was stratified to ensure that each region of Canada was represented. Data collection involved three stages: 1) recruitment of participants by phone, 2) mailing of the questionnaire, and 3) data retrieval through a follow-up phone call. The Rome II questionnaire was used to derive the prevalence of functional constipation using both Rome I and Rome II criteria. RESULTS: Of the 1149 participants, 27.2% self-reported constipation within the past 3 months, and 16.7% and 14.9% had functional constipation according to Rome I and II, criteria, respectively. For all three definitions, the rate for women was close to twice that for men. Approximately 34% of those with self-reported constipation had visited a physician for it, versus 26.3% of Rome II subjects. In a regression model, subjects self-reporting in the past 3 months were more likely to have seen a doctor for their constipation (odds ratio 2.47, p < 0.01) and significantly more women than men (35.6% vs 19.5%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional constipation and related health care seeking are common in the Canadian population and are strongly determined by the definition used. The Rome II criteria for this disorder seem to be satisfactory, but modifications may be considered to allow for constipated subjects taking laxatives and to increase the number of qualifying symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The role of pelvic floor dysfunction and slow colonic transit in adolescents with refractory constipation.

OBJECTIVE: Although pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is recognized as a cause of refractory constipation in adults, this diagnosis is not frequently considered in children and adolescents with refractory constipation. The purpose of this study was to examine the symptoms and colonic transit in adolescents with constipation evaluated for a disorder in pelvic floor function. METHODS: Adolescents with refractory constipation who had undergone anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET) were identified by retrospective review of records. Initial symptoms and the clinician's assessment were used to categorize patients by pediatric Rome II criteria, that is, functional constipation (FC), constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS) or functional fecal retention (FFR). Results of scintigraphic colonic transit studies were evaluated. A chi2 test was used to assess the association between individual clinical symptoms and Rome II criteria. RESULTS: Sixty-seven adolescents underwent evaluation of pelvic floor function by tests for PFD: BET was abnormal in 42%. There was no underlying disease or alternative diagnosis to account for the constipation in these patients. Among the 41 patients who also underwent scintigraphic colonic transit, 30% had slow transit constipation and 12% had both slow colonic transit and abnormal BET. Patients classified as C-IBS were more likely to report weight loss (p = 0.03), bloating (p = 0.04), and incomplete rectal evacuation (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Abnormal pelvic floor function and delayed colonic transit are demonstrable as single or combined problems in adolescents with refractory constipation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Constipation with acquired megarectum in children with autism.

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests that autistic children may have significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Although constipation occurs in 2% to 5% of healthy children, its clinical diagnosis is often difficult in children with behavioral disorders. We thus aimed to assess the prevalence of fecal loading in autistic children with gastrointestinal symptoms and to identify possible predictors of constipation. METHODS: We studied abdominal radiographs of 103 autistic children (87 boys) who were referred for gastroenterological assessment, in comparison with 29 control radiographs from children who were referred to the emergency department, most with abdominal pain. Radiographs were scored independently, in blinded manner, by 4 pediatric gastroenterologists and a radiologist. The severity of constipation was determined using a validated index. Details of stool habit, abdominal pain, dietary history, and laxative use were obtained from case notes. RESULTS: The incidence of constipation in the control subjects with abdominal pain was higher than reported for normal children. Despite this, moderate or severe constipation was more frequent in the autistic group than in the control subjects (36% vs 10%). Analysis of rectosigmoid loading showed more striking differences (54.4% of autistic children had moderate/severe loading or acquired megarectum compared with 24.1% of control subjects). Multivariate regression analysis showed consumption of milk to be the strongest predictor of constipation in the autistic group, whereas stool frequency, gluten consumption, soiling, and abdominal pain were not predictive of constipation. CONCLUSIONS: Constipation is a frequent finding in children with gastrointestinal symptoms and autism, particularly in the rectosigmoid colon, often with acquired megarectum. The absence of any correlation between the clinical history and the degree of fecal impaction in autistic children confirms the importance of an abdominal radiograph in the assessment of their degree of constipation.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1993

Substance P levels in the rectal mucosa of diabetic patients with normal bowel function and constipation.

Substance-P content in rectal mucosa was determined by radioimmunoassay in 28 diabetic patients (17 with severe chronic constipation and 11 with normal bowel function), 24 non-diabetic patients with severe functional constipation, and 27 normal controls. Substance-P content (pg/mg) in the rectal mucosa of diabetics with normal bowel function was significantly higher than that of non-diabetic controls (p < 0.001). Substance-P content in the rectal mucosa of diabetics with constipation was more than double that of patients with non-diabetic functional constipation (p < 0.01) and lower than that of diabetics with normal bowel function (p < 0.0375). Diabetic patients (constipated and non-constipated) have higher substance-P content in the rectal mucosa than non-diabetics. Lower substance-P rectal mucosa content in constipated diabetic patients than in non-constipated diabetics supports a possible role of substance P in the pathogenesis of diabetic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Correlates of constipation in an ambulatory elderly population.

Constipation is a common and often perplexing problem for elderly people. The prevalence of self-reported constipation and factors associated with constipation were investigated in 3,166 people over age 65. Twenty-six percent of women and 15.8% of men reported recurrent constipation (p less than 0.0001). There was a significant increase in reported constipation with increasing age (p less than 0.0001). Multiple factors were found to correlate with self-reported constipation. A logistic regression model revealed 13 factors of significance in predicting constipation. The most important factors were age, sex, total number of drugs taken, pain in the abdomen, and hemorrhoids (p less than 0.0001). Specific drugs do not appear to be important factors in constipation in the elderly. Elderly people who report the use of multiple drugs, pain in the abdomen, and hemorrhoids are at increased risk for constipation.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

[Constipation: drug or surgical treatment?].

Constipation is a very frequent symptom. It affects 7-10% of people. Otherwise a severe constipation exists which is rare, but extremely serious with evacuations every 15 days to 2 months. We expose the classification of constipation in its types: colonic, rectal and anal. We analyse the diagnostic trial which has to be started with a careful anamnesis and well directed physical examination. Laboratory tests and instrumental investigations will be essential means to define exactly the type of constipation and its pathogenetic mechanism. We go deep into physical involvement of constipation and into the problem of constipation in the elderly: except for particular groups (women suffering from colonic hypokinetic constipation) the age of patient is usually old. Medical treatment is described especially regarding the type of constipation. At last we review the surgical techniques proposed for every form of constipation, with exposure and interpretation of their results.

Age Factors↗