Outlet Obstruction Constipation Research Articles

Chinese expert consensus on colonic and anorectal manometry (2023 edition)

Colonic and anorectal manometry includes anorectal manometry and colonic manometry. Anorectal manometry is a common method to evaluate anorectal function, which can objectively reflect the pathological and physiological abnormalities of outlet obstructive constipation and fecal incontinence, as well as the impact of anorectal surgery on continence. Colonic manometry is a new type of colon motility detection method developed in recent years. It can record the peristalsis and contraction of the whole colon through a pressure measuring catheter, which helps physicians further evaluate various colonic diseases. However, various factors such as testing equipment, operating standards, and evaluation parameters are difficult to unify. There is no consensus on the operation and interpretation of colorectal anal pressure measurement. Under the guidance of the Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, in collaboration with Clinical Guidelines Committee, Anorectal Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Anorectal motility disorders Committee , Colorectal Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Colonic Branch of China international exchange and promotive association for medical and healthcare, Tianjin Union Medical Center is leading the organization of domestic experts in this field. Based on searching relevant literature and combining clinical experience at home and abroad, after multiple discussions, the "Chinese expert consensus on colonic and anorectal manometry" has been prepared. This consensus discusses the indications, contraindications, pre examination management and technical procedures, treatment of complications, and interpretation of examination reports for colonic and anorectal manometry , aiming to guide the standardized clinical practice of colonic and anorectal manometry.

Subtyping intractable functional constipation in children using clinical and laboratory data in a classification model.

Children with intractable functional constipation (IFC) who are refractory to traditional pharmacological intervention develop severe symptoms that can persist even in adulthood, resulting in a substantial deterioration in their quality of life. In order to better manage IFC patients, efficient subtyping of IFC into its three subtypes, normal transit constipation (NTC), outlet obstruction constipation (OOC), and slow transit constipation (STC), at early stages is crucial. With advancements in technology, machine learning can classify IFC early through the use of validated questionnaires and the different serum concentrations of gastrointestinal motility-related hormones. A hundred and one children with IFC and 50 controls were enrolled in this study. Three supervised machine-learning methods, support vector machine, random forest, and light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), were used to classify children with IFC into the three subtypes based on their symptom severity, self-efficacy, and quality of life which were quantified using certified questionnaires and their serum concentrations of the gastrointestinal hormones evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The accuracy of machine learning subtyping was evaluated with respect to radiopaque markers. Of 101 IFC patients, 37 had NTC, 49 had OOC, and 15 had STC. The variables significant for IFC subtype classification, according to SelectKBest, were stool frequency, the satisfaction domain of the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), the emotional self-efficacy for Functional Constipation questionnaire (SEFCQ), motilin serum concentration, and vasoactive intestinal peptide serum concentration. Among the three models, the LGBM model demonstrated an accuracy of 83.8%, a precision of 84.5%, a recall of 83.6%, a f1-score of 83.4%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.89 in discriminating IFC subtypes. Using clinical characteristics measured by certified questionnaires and serum concentrations of the gastrointestinal hormones, machine learning can efficiently classify pediatric IFC into its three subtypes. Of the three models tested, the LGBM model is the most accurate model for the classification of IFC, with an accuracy of 83.8%, demonstrating that machine learning is an efficient tool for the management of IFC in children.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of outlet obstructive constipation (2022 edition)

In recent years, professional societies in China including the Chinese Medical Doctor Association Anorectal Branch have issued many clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus on constipation, which played a positive role in the standardization of diagnosis and surgical treatment of chronic constipation in China. However, the diagnosis and treatment of outlet obstructive constipation (OOC) remain controversial. OOC, the most common subtype of functional constipation, is featured by various clinical symptoms, complex pelvic floor anatomy, functional and psychological aspects. We need a gold standard supported by high-level clinical research evidence. To standardize the diagnosis and treatment process of OOC in China, Chinese Medical Doctor Association Anorectal Branch and its Clinical Guidelines Committee, and jointly sponsored by Professional Committee on Anorectal Diseases of Chinese Society of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anorectal Disease Committee of Chinese Medical Women's Association and Chinese Constipation Medical Association, and the Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery organized and summoned a Chinese expert taskforce to focus on OOC diagnosis, classification, examination, evaluation, and various treatments (e.g. diet modification, medication, biofeedback therapy, pelvic floor function training, psychological intervention, traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatment). Based on the latest relevant evidence in China and abroad and experts' clinical experience, the taskforce produced the " Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of outlet obstructive constipation (2022 edition)" after rounds of discussion and revision. The aim is to help anorectal surgeons make clinical decisions, standardize the process of diagnosis and treatment, reduce complications and improve clinical efficacy in OOC.

Etiology and clinical classification of constipation

The causes of constipation are extremely complex and are still not fully clear. In addition to secondary factors such as organic diseases and drugs, constipation may also be related to genetics, diet, intestinal flora, age, gender and so on. At present, according to the etiology, chronic constipation is divided into primary constipation and secondary constipation. However, there are significant differences among current clinical guidelines in the clinical classification of primary constipation. Some guidelines classify primary constipation as slow-transit constipation (STC), outlet obstruction constipation (OOC), and mixed constipation; however, some guidelines classify primary constipation as STC, defecation disorder (DD), mixed constipation, and normal-transit constipation (NTC); what's more, some even propose types which are different from the above sub-types. There are also differences in the understanding of the relationship between functional constipation (FC) and primary constipation and the classification of irritable bowel syndrome predominant constipation (IBS-C) among various clinical guidelines. By reviewing domestic and international guidelines and relevant literature on constipation, the following conclusions are drawn: primary constipation can be divided into IBS-C and FC, and FC can be further divided into STC, OOC, and mixed constipation; primary constipation should not be confused with FC, nor should IBS-C be classified as FC.

Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy is effective for rectal mucosal prolapse associated outlet obstructive constipation

Background and study aimsOutlet obstructive constipation (OOC) is a common type of chronic constipation that is usually caused by internal hemorrhoids (IH) and rectal mucosal prolapse (RMP). Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy (CAES) was demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of IH and RMP. This study explored the efficacy of CAES in treating OOC associated with IH and RMP. MethodsThirty-one patients (15 males and 16 females) were diagnosed with OOC after colonoscopy and anorectal manometry (AM). CAES was used to treat IH and RMP. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Wexner constipation score (WCS) were used to assess patients at baseline and at the end of follow-up. AM tests were performed before and after CAES. ResultsThe mean age of patients was 56.19 ± 7.969 years, and the follow-up time was 2.875 ± 3.703 months. After CAES treatment, subjective indices, including frequency of bowel movements (p < 0.05), defecation time (p < 0.05), SAS (p < 0.05), SDS (p < 0.05), and WCS (p < 0.05), were significantly improved. AM showed that the anal relaxation rate (p < 0.05), maximum squeeze pressure (p < 0.05), and rectal residual pressure (p < 0.05) were significantly improved. The ratio of Bristol stool form scale typeIII–Vincreased from 12.5 % to 56.25 % (p < 0.05). ConclusionsCAES is effective for treating OOC caused by IH and RMP. The relief of OOC symptoms could improve anxiety and depression symptoms associated with the disease.

Assessment of defecation disorders using high-resolution MRI-defecography.

The aim of this retrospective study was to try to find correlations between different diagnoses established by clinical examination, anorectal manometry and MRI-defecography and, the association with psychiatric disorders. 44 patients (median age 53.81 years) presenting with intestinal motility disorders and who underwent clinical, biological and psychiatric examination, dynamic defecographic-MRI (resting, squeezing, straining, defecation and evacuation phases), anorectal manometry, colonoscopy. MRI was performed using the 1,5 T. MRI-defecography revealed the following changes: anismus (16), rectocele (12), pelvic floor dysfunction (6), peritoneocele (2), cervical-cystic-ptosis (1), rectal prolapse (6), and in 1 case the examination was normal. Hypertonic anal sphincter (16) and lack of defecation reflex (12) at anorectal manometry correlated with anismus in all patients at MRI-defecography. Lack of inhibitor anal reflex (6) was associated with rectocele (4), cervix-cysto-ptosis (1) and peritoneocele (2). Anxiety (11), depression (6) and anxiety-depressive disorders (10) were found in 27/44, somatization disorders in 9/44 and no psychiatric changes in 8/44 cases. As multiparous women are at risk for outlet obstruction constipation, MRI-defecography is suggested in this category. There is good correlation between diagnosis using anorectal manometry and MRI-defecography in patients with terminal constipation and anismus. Lower defecation dysfunction is often associated with psychiatric disorders.

Clinical efficacy of adaptive biofeedback training combined with oral administration of compound polyethylene glycol 4000-electrolyte powder in the treatment of children with outlet obstruction constipation: a prospective randomized controlled trial

To study the clinical efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of adaptive biofeedback training combined with oral administration of compound polyethylene glycol 4000-electrolyte powder in the treatment of children with outlet obstruction constipation (OOC). A total of 168 children with OOC were enrolled in this prospective study. All the subjects were randomly divided into a test group and a control group based on the order of visiting time, 84 in each group. The test group was treated with adaptive biofeedback training combined with oral administration of compound polyethylene glycol 4000-electrolyte powder, and the control group was treated with oral administration of compound polyethylene glycol 4000-electrolyte powder alone. Eleven children in the test group and two children in the control group withdrew from the study since they could not finish the whole treatment course. Finally, 73 children in the test group and 82 children in the control group were included in this analysis. As clinical outcomes, the total score of clinical symptoms and overall response rate were compared between the two groups at weeks 4 and 8 of treatment. There was no significant difference in the total score of clinical symptoms between the two groups at beginning of treatment and at week 4 (P>0.05), while the test group had a significantly lower total score of clinical symptoms than the control group at week 8 (P<0.05). At week 4, there was no significant difference in overall response rate between the two groups (P>0.05), while the test group had a significantly higher overall response rate than the control group at week 8 (P<0.05). Adaptive biofeedback training combined with oral administration of compound polyethylene glycol 4000-electrolyte powder is significantly associated with improvement of clinical outcomes in the treatment of children with OOC.

Enhanced Contractive Tension and Upregulated Muscarinic Receptor 2/3 in Colorectum Contribute to Constipation in 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Parkinson's Disease Rats.

Constipation and defecatory dysfunctions are frequent symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The pathology of Lewy bodies in colonic and rectal cholinergic neurons suggests that cholinergic pathways are involved in colorectal dysmotility in PD. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of central dopaminergic denervation in rats, induced by injection 6-hydroxydopamine into the bilateral substania nigra (6-OHDA rats), on colorectal contractive activity, content of acetylcholine (ACh), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and expression of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and muscarinic receptor (MR). Strain gauge force transducers combined with electrical field stimulation (EFS), gut transit time, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, western blot and ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were used in this study. The 6-OHDA rats exhibited outlet obstruction constipation characterized by prolonged transit time, enhanced contractive tension and fecal retention in colorectum. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin significantly increased the colorectal motility. EFS-induced cholinergic contractions were diminished in the colorectum. Bethanechol chloride promoted colorectal motility in a dose-dependent manner, and much stronger reactivity of bethanechol chloride was observed in 6-OHDA rats. The ACh, VIP and protein expression of nNOS was decreased, but M2R and M3R were notably upregulated in colorectal muscularis externa. Moreover, the number of cholinergic neurons was reduced in sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN) of 6-OHDA rats. In conclusion, central nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation is associated with decreased cholinergic neurons in SPN, decreased ACh, VIP content, and nNOS expression and upregulated M2R and M3R in colorectum, resulting in colorectal dysmotility, which contributes to outlet obstruction constipation. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of constipation and potential therapeutic targets for constipation in PD patients.

Improvement in Outlet Obstructive Constipation Symptoms After Vaginal Stent Treatment for Rectocele.

Objective. The objective is to determine the possible improvement in outlet obstructive constipation symptoms after vaginal stent treatment for rectocele. Methods. Female patients with rectocele (n = 156) accompanied with outlet obstructive constipation were selected in this study. Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) questionnaire, rectoanal pressures, and rectal balloon expulsion (BET) were evaluated at baseline, 1 month follow-up, and 6months follow-up. Moreover, the side effects and the potential reasons for giving up treatment were also detected. Results. Vaginal stent significantly decreased the straining intensity, shortened the straining extensity time, decreased the use of laxatives, and alleviated the symptoms of incomplete evacuation (P < .05). The vaginal stent also increased the rectal pressure and shortened the balloon expulsion time (P < .05). Conclusions. As an effective, feasible, and safe procedure, the vaginal stent can be recommended as a treatment of choice for rectocele combined with outlet obstructive constipation.

Ameliorating Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation at Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) Acupoints Combined with Adaptive Biofeedback Training on Functional Outlet Obstruction Constipation.

Background Stimulant laxatives are still considered the most common treatment for functional outlet obstruction constipation (FOOC). However, the effectiveness of laxatives is unsatisfactory, and the long-term use of laxatives may cause certain adverse events. With this in mind, it is, however, paramount that novel complementary treatment(s) and/or other forms of alternative medicine are adequately investigated. Aims The study aims to explore the effects and potential mechanism(s) of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) combined with adaptive biofeedback training (ABT) on FOOC. Methods A total of forty-five patients with FOOC were recruited and were randomly assigned to receive either Macrogol 4000 Powder (MAC, 10 g bid) (group A, n = 15) only, ABT + MAC + Sham-TEA (group B, n = 15), or TEA + ABT + MAC (group C, n = 15) in a six-week study. Individual patients' constipation-symptoms (PAC-SYM) and constipation-quality of life (PAC-QOL) were both assessed and scored. Serum acetylcholine (Ach) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured from drawn blood samples while individual patients' heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated at baseline and after each corresponding therapy. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test were both performed before and after treatment. Results Firstly, participants in group C had significantly lower scores of PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, and a decreased anal defecating pressure (ADP) as compared to participants in group B (all p < 0.050). These results, however, suggest the TEAs effect. Secondly, the low-frequency band (LF)/(LF + HF) ratio in groups B and C were decreased as compared to group A (p=0.037, p=0.010, respectively) regarding HRV. On the other hand, the high-frequency band (HF)/(LF + HF) ratio in groups B and C showed an opposite outcome. Finally, the serum Ach in groups B and C was significantly higher as compared to group A (p=0.023, p=0.012, respectively). Of significant importance, the serum NO in groups B and C were notably low as compared to group A (p=0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions TEA, combined with ABT, effectively improves constipation symptoms as well as QOL in FOOC patients. It is, however, achieved by decreasing ADP, which mechanisms are mediated via the autonomic and enteric mechanisms.

Clinical Features and Associations of Descending Perineum Syndrome in 300 Adults with Constipation in Gastroenterology Referral Practice.

Outlet obstruction constipation accounts for about 30% of chronic constipation (CC) cases in a referral practice. To assess the proportion of patients with CC diagnosed with descending perineum syndrome (DPS) by a single gastroenterologist and to compare clinical, radiological, and associated features in DPS compared to patients with constipation. We conducted a review of records of 300 consecutive patients evaluated for constipation by a single gastroenterologist from 2007 to 2019, including medical, surgical, and obstetrics history, digital rectal examination, anorectal manometry, defecation proctography (available in 15/23 with DPS), treatment, and follow-up. DPS was defined as > 3cm descent of anorectal junction on imaging or estimated perineal descent on rectal examination. Logistic regression with univariate and multivariate analysis compared factors associated with DPS to non-DPS patients. Twenty-three out of 300 (7.7%, all female) patients had DPS; these patients were older, had more births [including more vaginal deliveries (84.2% vs. 31.2% in non-DPS, p < 0.001)], more instrumental or traumatic vaginal deliveries, more hysterectomies, more rectoceles on proctography (86.7% vs. 28.6% non-DPS, p = 0.014), lower squeeze anal sphincter pressures (p < 0.001), and lower rectal sensation (p = 0.075) than non-DPS. On univariate logistic regression, history of vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome increased the odds of developing DPS. Vaginal delivery was confirmed as a risk factor on multivariate analysis. DPS accounts for almost 10% of tertiary referral patients presenting with constipation. DPS is associated with age, female gender, and number of vaginal (especially traumatic) deliveries.

Relationship between functional constipation and anal-retentive behavior features.

Constipation is the most commonly seen defecation problem related to several environmental factors. Defecation is learned in the childhood anal period in which anal characteristic features appear. Problems in the childhood anal period may affect not only characters but also defecation function. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between constipation and anal characteristic features of participants with functional constipation. Patients with functional constipation were included into the study according to the ROME III criteria. Patients with irritable bowel disease, slow transit constipation, outlet obstruction constipation, malignancy, and psychiatric diseases were excluded from the study. Patients filled out Personality Belief Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Obsessive Belief Questionnaire. The results were compared with healthy individuals. A total of 47 patients with functional constipation were included in the study. Avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, antisocial, narcissistic, and paranoid personality traits were found to be higher in patients with constipation than in the control group. Perfectionism/certainty, importance and control, and hospital anxiety scores were found to be higher in patients with constipation than in the control group. Constipation may be related to several factors, such as socioeconomic environment, emotional stress, age, and diet, among others. Here, it was found that anal-retentive behavior features are prominent in functional constipation. Biofeedback, which can be regarded as psychotherapy of defecation control, can be used for treatment.

Retrospective cohort study on subtotal colonic bypass plus colostomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy in the treatment of senile slow transit constipation

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic subtotal colonic bypass plus colostomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy (SCBCAC) in the treatment of senile slow transit constipation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Clinical data of 30 colonic slow transit constipation patients aged ≥70 years old undergoing laparoscopic SCBCAC from July 2012 to October 2016 (bypass plus colostomy group), and 28 patients undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colonic bypass with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy (SCBAC) from February 2009 to June 2012 (bypass group) at our institute were collected. Efficacy was compared between the two procedures. Inclusion criteria: (1) meeting the Rome III diagnosis criteria for constipation; (2) confirmed diagnosis of slow transit constipation; (3) age ≥ 70 years old; (4) receiving non-surgical treatment for more than 5 years, and Wexner constipation score > 15; (5) follow-up for more than 2 years. Those with psychiatric symptoms or previous psychiatric history, obvious signs of outlet obstructive constipation, organic diseases of the colon and life-threatening cardiovascular diseases or cancer were excluded. In the bypass plus colostomy group, laparoscopy was performed via five trocars. The ileocecal junction and the ascending colon were mobilized and the ileocecal junction was pulled down to the pelvic inlet. The ascending colon was transected and the appendix was excised. The lateral peritoneum of the sigmoid colon and the rectal mesentery were dissected and the upper rectum was transected. The avil of a circular stapler was placed in the bottom of the cecum. The shaft of the stapler was placed in the rectum via the anal canal to complete end-to-side anastomosis (end rectum to lateral cecum). The end of the rectal-sigmoid colon was used for colostomy via an extraperitoneal approach to complete the operation. The following efficacy indexes were collected before surgery and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery: the number of daily bowel movements, the Wexner incontinence scale (WIS, 0-20, the lower the better), the Wexner constipation scale (WCS, 0-30, the lower the better), the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI, 0-144, the higher score, the better), abdominal pain intensity indicated by the numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10, the lower score, the better), and the abdominal bloating score (ABS, 0-4, the lower score, the better). The complications defined as Clavien-Dindo class II or above were observed and recorded. Results: No significant differences in preoperative WCS, WIS, GIQLI, NRS, and ABS were observed between bypass plus colostomy group and bypass group (all P>0.05). All the patients successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery and no patient in either group experienced postoperative fecal incontinence. WCS and GIQLI were significantly improved (all P<0.001) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery in both groups. At 12 months after surgery, the number of bowel movements was significantly less in bypass plus colostomy group than that in bypass group [(2.4±0.7) times vs. (3.4±1.2) times, t=4.048, P<0.001]. At 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, the improvement of GIQLI in bypass plus colostomy group was significantly better than that in bypass group (all P<0.001). At 24 months after surgery, GIQLI in bypass plus colostomy group and bypass group was 122.3±5.3 and 92.8±16.6, respectively, with a significant difference (t=9.276, P<0.001). At 12 and 24 months after surgery, NRS in bypass plus colostomy group was significantly better than that in bypass group (both P<0.001). At 24 months after surgery, NRS in bypass plus colostomy group was 0.9±0.7, while that in bypass group was 3.7±2.7. There was a significant difference between two groups (t=5.585, P<0.001). At 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, the improvement of ABS in bypass plus colostomy group was also significantly better than that in bypass group. At 24 months after surgery, ABS in bypass plus colostomy group was 0.6±0.6, while that in bypass group was 2.5±1.0, with a significant difference between two groups (t=8.797, P<0.001). At 1 year after surgery, barium enema examination was performed in all the patients of both groups. The barium emptying time was (21.2±3.8) hours and (95.8±86.2) hours in bypass plus colostomy group and bypass group respectively. The former group was significantly better than the latter group (t=4.740, P<0.001). Conclusions: Laparoscopic SCBCAC is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of senile slow transit constipation and can significantly improve prognosis. Its clinical efficacy is better than laparoscopic SCBAC.

Application of dynamic MRI defecography in diagnosis of outlet obstructive constipation

Application of dynamic MRI defecography in diagnosis of outlet obstructive constipation

Relationship of functional constipation and anal-retentive behavior features.

Constipation is the most commonly seen defecation problem and related with several environmental factors. Learning defecation is learned in the childhood anal period in which anal characteristic features appear. Problems in the anal period of childhood may affect not only the characters but also the defecation function. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between constipation and anal characteristic features of participants with functional constipation. Patients with functional constipation were included in the study according to the ROME III criteria. Patients with irritable bowel disease, slow transit constipation, outlet obstruction constipation, malignancy, and psychiatric diseases were excluded from the study. Patients filled out the Personality Belief Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Obsessive Belief Questionnaire. The results were compared with healthy individuals. A total of 47 patients with functional constipation were included in the study. The avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, antisocial, narcissistic, and paranoid personality beliefs were found to be higher in patients with constipation than in the control group. Perfectionism/certainty, importance and control, and hospital anxiety scores were found to be higher in patients with constipation than in the control group. Constipation may be related to several factors, such as socioeconomic environment, emotional stress, age, and diet, among others. Here we found that anal-retentive behavior features are prominent in functional constipation. Biofeedback, which can be regarded as psychotherapy of defecation control, can be used for treatment.

Use of high-resolution colonic manometry to establish etiology and direct treatment in patients with constipation: Case series with correlation to histology.

Different clinical treatments are available to treat patients with constipation. We aimed to study the etiology and direct treatment in a case series of patients with constipation by the use of high-resolution colonic manometry (HRCM). High-resolution colonic manometry was used to record the colorectal peristaltic contractions of the entire colon in patients. Based on the results of HRCM, 151 patients with constipation were classified into groups and received different clinical treatment such as a total or subtotal colectomy, local excision, or conservative treatment. Paraffin-embedded samples obtained after resection were studied using hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunohistochemical staining. All patients underwent HRCM over 24h. Based on the amplitude, intensity, and trends in peristaltic contractions recorded by HRCM, we observed 117 patients with slow-transit constipation and 34 with functional outlet obstruction constipation. After an overall evaluation of the results of HRCM and anorectal function, 26, 23, 27, and 75 patients were treated with total colectomy, subtotal colectomy, local excision, and conservative treatment, respectively. Furthermore, histological examination of surgical samples showed vacuolar degeneration of nerve plexuses as well as of the muscularis propria, which also showed fibrosis in its outer layers in patients with constipation. Different types of constipation showed different colonic motility patterns and morphological changes in the colonic wall. HRCM plays an important role in the diagnosis and classification of patients with constipation. Furthermore, HRCM can accurately identify the diseased colonic segments and help to choose the appropriate treatment.

Interpretation of Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation surgery (2017)

The Chinese Society of Coloproctology (CSCP) released the updated "guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation surgery" in 2017. The major amendments include the following aspects: (1) According to defecation reflex involving parts of the classification, the cause of constipation is divided into three parts, including colorectal factors, internal and external colorectal factors. The new division is more rational, easy to make clear the location and the possible pathogenesis. (2) Constipation is divided into slow transit constipation, outlet obstructive constipation and mixed constipation. The main consideration of this division is the name of the surgery for the outlet obstructive constipation, such as the rectal prolapse and the rectocele. (3) The 6-hour observation time point is added in the colonic transit test and to make clear whether the stomach and the small intestine has slow transit. (4) Micro ecological preparations, promoting dynamic drugs and promoting secretion drugs as well as psychological treatment and acupuncture treatment are added in non-surgical treatment of constipation (5) The antegrade colonic enema is removed from surgical treatment of slow transit constipation; in the surgical treatment of internal rectal prolapse, STARR surgery is added and Delorme surgery is deleted; transrectal and transperineal approach are added in the surgical treatment of rectocele. In this paper, we compare the domestic and international constipation-related guidelines, and summarize the main revisions in the 2017 edition of "guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation surgery".

Choice of surgical procedures and control of surgical risks in chronic constipation

Surgery, as one of the methods for the treatment of chronic constipation, is the final choice after the failure of non-surgical treatment with its specific particularity. The history of surgical treatment of chronic constipation is complex and tortuous. How to select operation among many kinds of surgery, and control risk is difficult for clinician. The choice of surgical procedure depends mainly on the patient's conditions, the objective examination basis and the experience of physician teams. Based on the previous reports and the team's experience, this paper discusses the choice of surgical treatment for the following types of chronic constipation: (1) Slow transit constipation: subtotal colorectal resection plus ileorectal anastomosis or ascending colon rectum anastomosis is widely used at present in the domestic, and its efficacy is quite good. (2) Outlet obstructive constipation: surgical treatment needs to be cautious with no consensus, and surgeons must follow the advice of "minimally invasive first" principle. (3) Mixed constipation: there is no clear and unified surgical treatment, while Jinling surgery is a promising way of operation. (4) Adult Hirschsprung's disease: surgery is the only treatment, and removing the stenosis segment, transitional segment and obvious expansion segment is the basic principle, and preventive ileostomy at the same time is also recommended. (5) Adult idiopathic megacolon: subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or ascending colon rectum anastomosis is highly recommended. (6) Hypoganglionosis: it is rare, and no consensus has been reached in surgical treatment. How to select the proper timing and mode of operation, and how to control the operation risk are the contents that clinicians must master. With the development of laparoscopic surgical technology, minimally invasive surgery is becoming the main direction of constipation treatment.

Effects of adaptive biofeedback training on long-term efficacy and family maintenance treatment in patients with outlet obstruction constipation

Objective To explore the effects of adaptive biofeedback training (ABF) on long-term efficacy and family maintenance treatment in patients with outlet obstruction constipation (OOC). Methods From October 2010 to April 2013, a total of 114 patients with OOC met Rome Ⅲ criteria were enrolled in this study. After six weeks ABF treatment, patients were divided into family maintenance treatment group and simple follow-up group. And then the scores of clinical constipation symptoms, weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder, total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rate were recorded. T test and chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis. Results A total of 95 patients with OOC were enrolled in the follow-up study eventually, 42 cases in family maintenance treatment group and 53 cases in simple follow-up group. After six weeks ABF treatment, the scores of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder decreased in both two groups. At 36th month after six weeks ABF, in family maintenance treatment group, the score of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder were 4.86±1.13 and (5.88±1.14) packs, respectively, which were both lower than those before treatment (11.05±3.26 and (15.28±4.12) packs, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (t=2.520, P=0.041; t=3.080, P=0.042). At 36th month after six weeks ABF, in simple follow-up group, the score of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder were (7.12±1.25) and (11.44±2.88) packs, compared with those before treatment (11.07±2.86 and (15.77±3.78) packs), the difference was not statistically significant (both P>0.05). At 36th month after six weeks ABF, in family maintenance treatment group, the total clinical efficacy and total satisfaction rates both were 71.4% (30/42), compared with those at the end of treatment (88.1% (37/42), 83.3% (35/42)), the difference was not statistically significant (both P>0.05). In simple follow-up group, at 12th month after six weeks ABF, the total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rates were 69.8% (37/53) and 66.0% (35/53), compared with those at the end of treatment (88.7%(47/53) and 84.9%(45/53)), the difference was not statistically significant (both P>0.05), at 24th months, the total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rates were 49.1% (26/53) and 47.2% (25/53), which were both lower than those at the end of treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2 =1.762, P=0.036; χ2 =1.928, P=0.041). Conclusions The efficacy of ABF in the treatment of patients with OOC lasts less than two years. However, the family maintenance treatment can keep for three years, which may be an effective method to keep long-term efficacy in patients with OOC. Key words: Biofeedback (psychology); Treatment outcome; Chronic constipation; Gastrointestinal motility

Transvaginal Mesh and Transanal Resection to Treat Outlet Obstruction Constipation Caused by Rectocele.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the curative effect of transvaginal mesh repair (TVMR) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in treating outlet obstruction constipation caused by rectocele.Material/MethodsPatients who had outlet obstruction constipation caused by rectocele were retrospectively analyzed and 39 patients were enrolled the study. Patients were assigned to either the TVMR or STARR group. Postoperative factors such as complications, pain, recurrence rate, and operative time were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsTotal effective rate was 100% in both groups. No long-term chronic pain occurred and discomfort rate of tenesmus was higher in the STARR group than in the TVMR group. Postoperative defecography showed that the rectocele depth was significantly reduced, and the prolapse of the rectal mucosa and the lower rectal capacity was also decreased. Four cases had mesh exposure in the TVMR group and 2 cases in the STARR group had anastomotic bleeding after the surgery.ConclusionsFor outlet obstruction constipation caused by rectocele, TVMR and STARR both obtained satisfactory results. Although TVMR is complex with longer operative time and hospitalization period, its long-term effect is better than that of STARR.