Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “CONSTIPATION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,045 records · Page 58Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Constipation with colonic inertia. A manifestation of systemic disease?

Transit of radiopaque markers was delayed in the ascending colon of 51 females and 3 males treated for severe idiopathic constipation. Onset of symptoms was between age 10 and 20 in more than half of the patients. Eighteen percent had previously undergone unnecessary laparotomy for large bowel pseudoobstruction. Stool frequency ranged from 1 stool every three days to 1 every 2 months. Twenty-six percent suffered from fecal incontinence. In addition, 30% had orthostatic hypotension and 15% galactorrhea of idiopathic origin. Patients had a higher than normal anal pressure (P less than 0.001). They all had a rectoanal inhibitory reflex, but it was abnormal in 76%. In the upper esophageal sphincter, resting pressure was higher (P less than 0.02), and coordination poorer (P less than 0.05) than in normal control subjects. Incidence of spontaneous tertiary contractions in the body of the esophagus was greater than normal (P less than 0.03). In the lower esophageal sphincter, resting pressure was lower (P = 0.001) and gastroesophageal gradient weaker (P = 0.05). Closing pressure of the sphincter was lower (P less than 0.001) and coordination less adequate (P less than 0.02). After subcutaneous injection of 0.035 mg/kg bethanechol, urinary bladder intraluminal pressure increased by over 15 cm H2O in 31% of patients but never did in controls, and average maximal pressure was greater (P less than 0.025). Time taken to reach peak pressure was shorter (P less than 0.01). This study provides evidence that patients who suffer from constipation with colonic inertia also have abnormal function in other hollow viscera.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Slow transit constipation. Comparison between patients with or without previous hysterectomy.

We have studied 31 patients with slow transit constipation. Fourteen developed severe symptoms following a hysterectomy, while the remainder had symptoms arising de novo and unrelated to pelvic surgery. To establish whether there were specific abnormalities which might be linked to hysterectomy, we compared the two groups. Rectosigmoid motility was impaired in the de novo group. Functional sphincter length, maximum resting anal canal pressure, and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex were not significantly different from controls. The majority of patients were able to significantly increase the anorectal angle on straining to defecate. Patients in the de novo group had a higher sensory threshold for rectal filling compared with controls, whereas the posthysterectomy group was not significantly different. Electromyography of the external sphincter showed failure of appropriate inhibition of resting activity in 57% of the de novo and 38% of posthysterectomy patients. The de novo group had hypoactivity of the rectosigmoid and an insensitive rectum. The abnormality in the hysterectomy group is less clear and any precise link between slow transit constipation and hysterectomy remains obscure.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Relationship between results of radiological pelvic floor study and anorectal manometry in patients consulting for constipation.

The aim of this study was to assess (a) the incidence of perineal descent and (b) the relationship between radiological abnormalities of the pelvic floor and rectoanal manometric disturbances in patients consulting for constipation. Lateral radiographs in both the left lateral and supine positions studied pelvic floor descent. Results obtained in the 25 patients (mean age 47 years) studied were compared with those of 12 controls (mean age 58 years). Pelvic floor descent, never seen in controls, was demonstrated in 14 patients who were older (53 +/- 3 years, mean +/- SD) than the 11 with a normal radiological examination (38 +/- 3 years, p less than 0.05). Anal low pressures (3 cases) and a low amplitude of rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) (5 cases) were shown only in patients with perineal descent and anal high pressures only in those with normal radiology. Our results suggest that (a) perineal descent is a common finding in over 50% of constipated patients and (b) anorectal motility is related to pelvic floor function.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Chronic constipation with encopresis persisting beyond 15 years of age.

Childhood constipation with encopresis is a common malady. Previous reports suggest that essentially all patients either respond to standard treatments or have spontaneous recovery before 16 years of age. In this paper, we describe the results of anorectal function studies and treatment outcome in four patients in whom constipation and encopresis persisted beyond 15 years of age. Abnormalities in the ability to defecate water-filled balloons, in external sphincter relaxation with straining, in rectal sensation and development of the urge to defecate, and in maximum anal resting pressure were seen in some or all of these patients. In addition, two patients had impaired voluntary squeeze strength. Two patients responded to standard therapy; a colostomy was needed in one; and one failed therapy and has become a recluse.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Slow transit of the colon associated with severe constipation after the Ripstein operation. A clinical and physiologic study.

Eighteen patients with severe constipation after undergoing the Ripstein operation for rectal prolapse (n = 11) or internal rectal procidentia (n = 7) were studied with defecography, anorectal manometry, electromyography of the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis muscle, colonic transit time, and blood tests. Thirteen patients had slow-transit constipation. None showed a completely normal pattern in the parameters studied. The authors emphasize the importance of careful preoperative investigation to identify the patients who have associated colorectal disturbances together with their rectal prolapse or internal rectal procidentia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Results of biofeedback in constipated patients: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the results of biofeedback treatment in constipated patients and to identify variables that might be used to predict the outcome. METHOD: Twenty-eight patients (5 men; median age, 46 (range, 22-72) years) with any degree of paradoxical activation measured with thin hook needle electromyography in the external sphincter or puborectalis muscle were included. The symptom duration varied between 1 and 30 (median, 9) years. The patients had eight outpatient training sessions with electromyography-based audiovisual feedback. All patients were followed up prospectively with a validated bowel function questionnaire from which a symptom index was created. RESULTS: At three months, nine patients had no improvement and underwent other treatments. The remaining 19 patients were followed up for a median of 14 (range, 12-34) months. Twelve patients (43 percent) stated they had improved rectal emptying. A good result was associated with increased stool frequency (P < 0.05), improved symptom index (P < 0.01), and reduction of laxative use (P < 0.05). A long symptom duration, a high pretreatment symptom index, and laxative use were related to a poor result (P < 0.01-0.05). The improved group had less perineal descent (P < 0.05), and a prominent puborectalis impression on defecography tended to be more common (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: With the use of wide inclusion criteria, biofeedback was successful in 43 percent of patients, with a treatment effect lasting at least one year. The results suggest that biofeedback should be used as the initial treatment of constipated patients with a paradoxical puborectalis contraction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Viscous fluid expulsion in the evaluation of the constipated patient.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a viscous fluid expulsion test as a method for quantifying rectal outlet obstruction. METHODS: We examined the ability of 30 severely constipated patients and 40 healthy control subjects to expel a viscous fluid simulating feces. RESULTS: Constipated patients with defecographic rectal retention expelled a significant lower viscous fluid volume compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Considering the viscous fluid expulsion test to be positive if the patient expelled less than 160 ml of fluid (lower 95 percent confidence value in healthy controls) and using the presence of defecographic rectal outlet obstruction as a reference, the predictive value of a negative viscous fluid expulsion test was 100 percent, the predictive value of a positive test was 67 percent, and sensitivity and specificity was 100 percent and 82 percent, respectively. The viscous fluid test identified symptomatic outlet obstruction in almost twice as many patients as did defecography. Some patients, however are-despite their obstructive symptoms-able to evacuate their rectum when examined in the laboratory. CONCLUSION: The viscous fluid expulsion test is a simple, reproducible, nonionizing, and low-cost method of quantifying rectal outlet obstruction. A positive test result should lead to a defecography, whereas a negative test result renders defecography dispensable and spares the patient from pelvic radiation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Effect of oral erythromycin on colonic transit in patients with idiopathic constipation. A pilot study.

Erythromycin, a motilin receptor agonist has been shown to have prokinetic effects on the upper gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder. Colonic effects of the drug are controversial, and it is debated whether human colon contains motilin receptors. In this study we evaluated the effects of erythromycin on colonic transit and stool frequency in 11 patients with idiopathic constipation over a 1-month period in an open study. The dose used was 1 g/day for two weeks followed by 500 mg/day for another two weeks. The mean (SE) total and segmental colonic transit was measured before and seven days after therapy in seven of these patients. A daily record of stool frequency was maintained in all 11 patients. Erythromycin shortened the total colonic transit from 86.2 (14.6) to 44.8 (8.99) hr (P < 0.01); however, segmental transit studies revealed a significant effect (P < 0.01) only in the right colon and rectosigmoid region. No significant side effects were observed with short-term therapy. These preliminary results suggest that erythromycin is of therapeutic value in patients with idiopathic constipation.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Long-term results of total abdominal colectomy for chronic idiopathic constipation. Value of preoperative assessment.

PURPOSE: A small proportion of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation are incapacitated by the problem. We have assessed 1) the efficacy of total abdominal colectomy, and 2) the predictive value of preoperative testing. METHODS: Preoperative testing included complete history and physical examination, appropriate biochemical and hematologic assessment, psychiatric interview, colon transit studies using ingested radiopaque pellets, anorectal manometry, colonic intraluminal manometry, and measurement of colon diameters and length on barium enema examination. All patients were followed for 65 +/- 40 months. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent had excellent or very good results. Twenty-one percent were satisfied, had improved the quality of their life, and felt the operation was worthwhile despite frequent residual or new symptoms. Two (8 percent) patients did not improve. Patients with a psychiatric history or physiologic evidence of an afferent nerve defect had poorer results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is highly effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Misoprostol is effective treatment for patients with severe chronic constipation.

To assess the efficacy of misoprostol in the treatment of patients with severe chronic constipation, nine such patients were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, crossover study of misoprostol (1200 micrograms/day) or placebo, that lasted three weeks. During this period each patient received the drug for one week and placebo for another with a week washout period in between. A colonic transit study, using radiopaque markers, was performed during each of the treatment weeks, while the number of stools and their total weight was recorded by each patient for the appropriate periods. Colonic transit time was significantly and consistently decreased by misoprostol compared to placebo [66 hr +/- 10.2 vs 109.4 hr +/- 8.1 (P = 0.0005)]. Misoprostol significantly increased the total stool weight per week [976.5 g +/- 288.8 vs 434.6 g +/- 190.5 (P = 0.001)] and also significantly increased the number of stools per week compared to placebo [6.5 +/- 1.3 vs 2.5 +/- 0.11 (P = 0.01)]. The incidence of abdominal pain was similar in both groups. We concluded that misoprostol, during a short trial period, proved effective in increasing the frequency and weight of bowel movements and decreasing colonic transit time in patients with severe chronic constipation. It may be used as a therapeutic measure to treat such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cisapride in neurologically impaired children with chronic constipation.

The efficacy of cisapride as a treatment for chronic constipation in children with severe brain damage was studied in 20 children. Each subject was randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with either cisapride (N = 10) or placebo (N = 10) for 12 weeks. Stool habits, total gastrointestinal transit time, colonic segmental transit times, and anorectal motility were evaluated in all children before and at the end of the treatment period. Although cisapride significantly (P < 0.05) increased stool frequency from baseline to week 12 and no significant change was documented in the placebo group, the mean change in stool frequency per week from baseline to 12 week was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The use of laxatives or suppositories was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by cisapride, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. Furthermore, cisapride significantly (P < 0.05) reduced rectal compliance but had no effect on total gastrointestinal transit time and colonic segmental transit times. In summary, in neurologically impaired children with chronic constipation, cisapride increased bowel frequency but did not alter the delay in total and segmental gastrointestinal transit times.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗
PubMed1996

Biofeedback training in children with functional constipation. A critical review.

Many uncontrolled studies suggest that biofeedback training is an effective adjunctive therapy in improving the outcome of functional constipation and/or encopresis in children. This could not be confirmed in controlled studies. Adding biofeedback training after conventional treatment had failed did not provide benefits. The results of biofeedback treatment in children with functional constipation and/or encopresis are disappointing.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed2001

Pilot study of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy for the treatment of chronic slow-transit constipation.

PURPOSE: Functional results of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for the treatment of chronic constipation caused by colonic inertia are often considered unsatisfactory because of the frequency of postoperative diarrhea and the high rate of postoperative small-bowel obstruction. Patients affected by severe colonic inertia underwent a subtotal colectomy with a novel antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis. The aim of the study was to assess the functional results after preservation of the cecorectal junction. METHODS: Eight females affected by isolated colonic inertia and two females with both paradoxical puborectalis contraction and colonic inertia, of a median age of 40 years, underwent subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis. Before antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis all ten patients were laxative-dependant, with a mean bowel frequency of ten days; eight of them (80 percent) had distention, seven (70 percent) bloating, and three (30 percent) abdominal pain. RESULTS: There was no mortality or major postoperative morbidity. One month after antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis, bowel frequency was a mean of 2.2 (range, 1-4) per day, with a semiliquid stool consistency. After one year, bowel frequency was a mean of 1.3 (range, 0.5-3) per day, with a solid stool consistency; the same results were recorded at last follow-up. Although no patients used antidiarrheal medicine, laxatives continued to be used by both patients with paradoxical puborectalis contraction. All ten (100 percent) of the patients reported a good or improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: This preliminary experience seems to show that antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis is safe and effective for patients with colonic inertia. It results in prompt and prolonged relief from constipation for patients with isolated colonic inertia.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Prospective, randomized trial comparing four biofeedback techniques for patients with constipation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare four methods of biofeedback for patients with constipation. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were prospectively, randomly assigned to one of four protocols: 1) outpatient intra-anal electromyographic biofeedback training; 2) electromyographic biofeedback training plus intrarectal balloon training; 3) electromyographic biofeedback training plus home training; or 4) electromyographic biofeedback training, balloon training, and home training. All 36 patients received weekly one-hour outpatient biofeedback training. Success was measured by increased unassisted bowel movements and reduction in cathartic use. In all instances patients maintained a daily log in which documentation was maintained regarding each bowel evacuation and the need for any cathartics. RESULTS; There was a statistically significant increase in unassisted bowel movements for Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.05) and a reduction in the use of cathartics in Groups 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in outcome after all four treatment protocols for constipation; however, no significant difference was found among the treatments. Therefore, electromyographic biofeedback training alone is as effective as with the addition of balloon training, home training, or both.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Involuntary contractions of the striated anal sphincters as a cause of constipation: report of a case.

PATIENT HISTORY: We present a case of anismus in a 36-year-old patient. He complained of therapy refractory constipation that had been present for 15 years, with delayed micturition and voiding by stages. METHODS AND RESULTS: During digital examination of the anal canal, we found spontaneous contractions of the sphincters at rest. The urethral pressure profile showed irregular contractions during micturition. The electromyogram, which was performed with concentric needle electrodes from the external anal sphincter, puborectalis, and external vesical sphincter, revealed synchronous contractions of these muscles. Injections of botulinum toxin into the sphincters showed good effects and no incontinence. CONCLUSION: Focal dystonia of the striated anal and vesical sphincters is a very rare cause of constipation but should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Constipation. An uncommon etiology.

An uncommon cause of chronic constipation is presented in a case report. The patient presented with chronic cough and constipation. Work-up revealed a loop of transverse colon herniated through a right diaphragmatic tear resulting from an old, blunt, abdominal injury. The diaphragmatic hernia was repaired through a right thoracotomy without complications. Diaphragmatic hernia should be ruled out in patients who present with chronic respiratory or vague abdominal symptoms, especially after a history of blunt abdominal trauma. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, expeditious surgical treatment should be undertaken to prevent the development of obstruction or strangulation and its grave consequences. Thoracotomy is the incision of choice, as it affords good exposure for lysis of adhesions, reduction of the hernia, and repair of the diaphragmatic defect.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Morphology and rheology of the rectum in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

To evaluate whether there is a relationship between the viscoelastic properties of the rectum and its surface, barium enema and rectal accommodation studies were performed under standard conditions in 46 subjects (25 adults, 21 children) with chronic idiopathic constipation. In adults, a significant correlation was found between rectal surface at barium enema and the minimum radius of rectal distention with a balloon necessary to higher wall tension changes (r = 0.68; P less than 0.01). In both adults (r = 0.48; P less than 0.05) and children (r = 0.57; P less than 0.01), negative correlations were found between the surface of the rectum and its elasticity. It is concluded that rectal accommodation studies produce data comparable to those of radiologic examinations and may therefore be used repetitively, and without fear of radiation, as follow-up studies on constipated patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse in constipated patients.

Rubber band ligation was used in 160 patients with internal hemorrhoids; 43 of them also had rectal anterior mucosal prolapse; 13 had prolapse alone. Two thirds of the patients underwent a single rubber band ligation and one third a double rubber band ligation in one session without anesthesia. Ninety-four required repeated ligations. A follow-up of 25 +/- 16 months (mean +/- SD) was carried out in 153 of them. Rubber band ligation was followed by prolonged bleeding in six patients and severe pain requiring removal of the rubber band in 12 patients. The complication rate decreased significantly (P less than .05) in the last 80 patients. Compared with multiple ligation, single rubber band ligation in one sitting was followed by a lower complication rate (P less than .01). Long-term results were good in 71 percent of the patients. (A formal hemorrhoidectomy was needed within two years in 6 percent.) A significantly lower recurrence rate of 9 percent was noted in those with normal bowel habits, when compared with constipated subjects whose symptoms recurred in 85 percent (P less than .001). Constipation seems to be a predictable factor in worsening the outcome of rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is followed by a lower complication rate when performed in a single ligation.

Constipation↗