Management strategies for chronic idiopathic constipation: an Italian real-life survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common medical condition as affects about 33% of adults older than 60 years.1 Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week. METHODS: The present nationwide survey involved 67 Italian gastroenterologists. As chronic constipation is a common medical condition, the aim of this survey was to describe the gastroenterologists’ and patients’ characteristics, the workup, and management approaches in clinical practice. The participants completed a questionnaire that was specifically prepared. RESULTS: The results confirmed a high prevalence of chronic constipation in elderly people and females. The workup was different in patients with primary chronic constipation and refractory one. Patients with refractory constipation require more complex approach. Polyethylene glycol is the most popular remedy as frontline approach, but serotoninergic prokinetics are the most common medication prescribed as second line. CONCLUSIONS: The survey also outlined that gastroenterologists need to perform a more adequate approach addressing patient’s characteristics, mainly concerning a more thorough history, use of validated scales for symptoms, and assess quality of life.