Types Of Constipation Research Articles

Evaluating pelvic floor muscle activity in chronic functional constipation: A transabdominal ultrasound study

IntroductionChronic functional constipation (CFC) is one of the most challenging types of constipation which negatively influences patients’ quality of life. Recently, investigators mentioned pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) as an influential factor in the symptoms of patients with CFC, while its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the PFMs function in people with and without CFC using transabdominal ultrasound. MethodIn this cross-sectional and prospective study, we utilized a convenience sample of 200 individuals (100 CFC and 100 non-CFC) aged between 20 and 50 years old. The data collection included the measurement of the bladder base diameters displacement between rest and contraction using transabdominal ultrasound in all subjects. Also, individuals’ diet and physical activity were assessed as contributing factors using International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire. ResultsThe result of MANCOVA revealed no significant group by physical activity level interaction for bladder base diameter at rest and bladder base displacement. Moreover, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant difference in physical activity level of patients with CFC in comparison with healthy individuals. Independent T-test results revealed that there is a significant difference in the consumption of fat and dairy subgroups between two groups. Discussion and conclusionsThe results indicated that there is no significant association between the bladder base displacement and the development of CFC. Moreover, our data revealed that people with CFC experience a more sedentary life and consume more fat and dairy products in comparison with individuals without CFC.

Artificial intelligence-powered early identification of refractory constipation in children.

Children experiencing refractory constipation, resistant to conventional pharmacological approaches, develop severe symptoms that persist into adulthood, leading to a substantial decline in their quality of life. Early identification of refractory constipation may improve their management. We aimed to describe the characteristics of colonic anatomy in children with different types of constipation and develop a supervised machine-learning model for early identification. In this retrospective study, patient characteristics and standardized colon size (SCS) ratios by barium enema (BE) were studied in patients with functional constipation (n=77), refractory constipation (n=63), and non-constipation (n=65). Statistical analyses were performed and a supervised machine learning (ML) model was developed based on these data for the classification of the three groups. Significant differences in rectum diameter, sigmoid diameter, descending diameter, transverse diameter, and rectosigmoid length were found in the three groups. A linear support vector machine was utilized to build the early detection model. Using five features (SCS ratios of sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, rectum, and rectosigmoid), the model demonstrated an accuracy of 81% [95% confidence interval (CI): 79.17% to 83.19%]. The application of using a supervised ML strategy obtained an accuracy of 81% in distinguishing children with refractory constipation. The combination of BE and ML model can be used for practical implications, which is important for guiding management in children with refractory constipation.

Roles and regulation of Aquaporin-3 in maintaining the gut health: an updated review

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a predominant water channel protein expressed in the intestine, and plays important roles in the gut physiology and pathophysiology due to its permeability to water, glycerol and hydrogen peroxide. In this review, we systematically summarized the current understanding of the expression of AQP3 in the intestine of different species, and focused on the potential roles of AQP3 in water transport, different types of diarrhea and constipation, intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier function, oxidative stress, and autophagy. These updated findings have supported that AQP3 may function as an important target in maintaining gut health of human and animals.

Association between dietary carotenoids intake and chronic constipation in American men and women adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary carotenoids and constipation. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010.MethodsA total of 11,722 participants were enrolled. Chronic constipation was defined as type 1 (separate hard lumps, like nuts) and type 2 (sausage-like, but lumpy) in the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). Carotenoids intake was obtained from the average of two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires (if only one 24-hour was available, we used it) and divided into quartiles (Q). The prevalence of constipation was calculated across men and women individuals. The relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation in men and women was assessed with weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting after adjusting confounders, with results displayed as weighted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The model was further stratified by age, race, and HEI 2015 scores (with median as cutoff) among men and women.ResultsThe total weighted prevalence of chronic constipation in this study was 8.08%, 11.11% in women and 5.18% in men. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest intake, participants with the highest dietary lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34–0.80, p for trend = 0.01) were negatively associated with the risk of chronic constipation in men, whereas increased dietary α-carotene intake reduced the risk of chronic constipation in women (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48–0.98, p for trend = 0.04). Smoothing curve fitting further supported these results and provided evidence of dose-response effects. No association was found between other types of carotenoids and chronic constipation in men and women.ConclusionsIncreasing lycopene intake may improve bowel function in men while increased α-carotene intake may reduce the risk of chronic constipation in women. Further studies are essential to explore the role that the intake of carotenoids plays in chronic constipation.

Efficacy and safety of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules in the treatment of constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundConstipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder, which has seriously affected the quality of people's daily life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy takes syndrome differentiation and treatment as the theoretical guidance with certain advantages in treating constipation with the holistic approach. However, there are few studies on the treatment of constipation with Shouhui Tongbian Capsules (SHTB). PurposeThis study was aimed to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of SHTB in the treatment of constipation and provide evidence-based references for clinical application. Study designA systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature on SHTB for treating constipation. MethodsChinese databases (China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database) and English databases (PubMed, EmBase and the Cochrane Library) were thoroughly investigated through screening randomized controlled trials on SHTB for constipation from the establishment of all databases to September 26, 2022. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed on the literature that met the inclusion criteria and a meta-analysis was performed for selected data using Review Manager 5.4, ROB 2.0 and Stata 17.0. ResultsA total of 14 RCTs (randomized controlled trial) including 1310 participants were included in the analysis. The results showed that the test group was superior to the control group in improving the total effective rate and curative effect, clinical symptom score, gastrointestinal peptide index and reducing adverse reactions and recurrence rate. The specific results were as follows: ① The total effective rate increased significantly (RR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.18, 1.30], Z = 8.25, p< 0.00001); ② The clinical symptom indexs, including the difficulty of defecation [SMD = –1.28, 95% CI (–1.44, –1.12), Z = 15.65, p< 0.00001], the frequency of spontaneous defecation [SMD = 1.28, 95% CI (1.01, 1.54), Z = 9.52, p< 0.00001], defecation interval [SMD = –1.47, 95% CI (–1.68, –1.26), Z = 13.79, p < 0.00001], incomplete defecation [SMD = –1.34, 95% CI (–1.57, –1.11), Z = 11.42, p < 0.00001], duration of defecation [SMD = –2.02, 95% CI (–2.39, –1.65), Z = 10.73, p < 0.00001], stool characteristics [SMD = –2.30, 95% CI (–2.60, −1.99), Z = 14.72, p< 0.00001] and TCM main syndrome scores [SMD = −1.25, 95% CI (−1.46, −1.05), Z = 11.79, p< 0.00001] increased observably; ③ The gastrointestinal peptide hormone indexs, including MTL Level [SMD = 0.43, 95% CI (0.24, 0.62), Z = 4.44, p < 0.00001] and SP Level [RR =0.57, 95% CI (0.37, 0.87), Z = 2.61, p = 0.009] were improved obviously; ④ The incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.37, 0.87], Z = 2.61, p = 0.009) and recurrence rate (RR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.18, 0.54], Z = 4.28, P <0.001) reduced significantly. Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant change in all outcome indicators, which suggested that the results of meta-analysis were relatively stable. Funnel plot and Egger test results showed that the literature included in the study might have publication bias. ConclusionSHTB can be used to treat functional constipation, especially elderly functional constipation, constipation caused by tumor chemotherapy and disease concomitant constipation. The optimal dosage of SHTB was 0.70 g (2 capsules) each time, 3 times a day, for 28 days. Combined with basic treatment, lactose oral solution, mosaic or castor oil could improve the total effective rate, clinical symptom indicators, gastrointestinal peptide hormone indicators and reduce adverse reaction rate of patients. However, due to the limitations of the included clinical trials, high-quality clinical trials with long follow ups are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SHTB in treating different types of constipation.

Report from 'ESCP 2021 Virtual': the 16th Scientific and Annual Conference of the European Society of Coloproctology, 22-24 September 2021.

Report from 'ESCP 2021 Virtual': the 16th Scientific and Annual Conference of the European Society of Coloproctology, 22-24 September 2021.

Mid-term efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic constipation

Objective: To investigate the mid-term efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for chronic constipation. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. Patients with chronic constipation were treated in Xijing Hospital of Digestive Disease from February 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The types of constipation were confirmed based on colon slow transit test, anorectal manometry and defecography in Xi'an Mayinglong Coloproctological Hospital. This study has been registered in China clinical trial registry (Registration No.: ChiCTR-ROC-16008945). Case inclusion criteria: (1) constipation was diagnosed according to Rome III criteria; (2) traditional treatment, including education, diet adjustment, laxative, biofeedback treatment, failed for at least 1 year; (3) there were no constipation-related organic diseases. After excluding neurogenic diseases, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, 21 patients were included in this study. There were 10 males and 11 females, with an average age of 50.9 (14-76) years. After the relevant examination and evaluation of patients, they underwent percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE). If patient experienced a good response to PNE after 2 or 3 weeks (≥50%), permanent SNS implantation was performed. The improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life between the baseline, PNE, and latest follow-up time points were compared. Improvement of clinical symptoms, including autonomic stool frequency per week, autonomic stool days per week, defecation time, visual analogue scale (VAS, lower score indicates more serious symptoms) score and Cleveland clinic constipation score (CCCS, higher score indacates more serious symptoms) criteria. The change of quality of life was scored by SF-36 questionnaires (the higher score indicates better quality of life). Results: Of 21 patients, 18 (85.7%) experienced significant improvement in symptoms with PNE, and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to their dissatisfaction. Sixteen patients (76.2%) received permanent SNS implantation, two of whom underwent bilateral PNE implantation. These patients were followed-up for mean 56 (34-72) months. The treatment was continuously effective in 13 patients (61.9%), including 3 of ODS, 1 of STC and 9 of mixed constipation. Compared with baseline, the score of constipation patients receiving permanent SNS implantation at latest follow-up was shown. The median autonomic stool frequency per week increased from 1.0 (0-7) to 7.5 (0-10) (P<0.001), the median autonomic stool days per week increased from 1.0 (0-7) d to 4.5 (0-7) d (P<0.001), the median defecation time decreased from 19.0 (8-40) minutes to 4.0 (3-31) minutes (P<0.001), the median CCCS decreased from 20.0 (13-30) to 9.0 (6-30) (P<0.001), and the median VAS score increased from 9.0 (7-40) to 80.0 (15-90) (P<0.001). The values of the 8 parts of the SF-36 questionnaire increased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: SNS implantation is safe and has obvious effects on severe constipation with stable mid-term efficacy.

Chronic constipation: modern view on the problem. A review

Chronic constipation is a frequently diagnosed heterogeneous pathology that significantly impairs the quality of life in all population groups and its frequency increases with age. It commonly affects up to 10 — 15 % of the population. There are numerous classifications of constipation due to a great number of disorders that cause it. The types of constipation are identified based on the etiology or mechanism of its development. Different criteria are used to specify the categorization of constipation, but it is still difficult to find one general classification including all types of constipation. The Rome IV criteria categorize disorders of chronic constipation into four subgroups. The treatment depends on the subtype. The significant increase of constipation cases is observed nowadays. This disorder is facilitated by a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient amount of fiber and fluid in the diet, a wide range of diseases that directly lead to the development of chronic constipation, congenital and acquired pathologies, abnormal intake of laxatives and opioids or a combination of these factors. Despite numerous publications on slow transit constipation, the latter is still the subject of research for many specialists. A lot of recent scientific works have been dedicated to the immunohistochemical studies of interstitial pacemaker cells. The numbers of markers they express were found. Consequently, the investigations of modern scientists are aimed to develop and implement new laboratory methods for determining the indications for surgical treatment depending on a diagnosed disorder of the intestinal neurophysiology. These methods will ensure a differentiated selection of patients for surgical treatment. The step approach to the diagnosis of chronic constipation allows choosing an adequate treatment method in order to improve symptoms, the quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The literature review indicates that surgery still remains the most radical treatment method for patients with slow transit constipation.&#x0D;

Associations between dairy consumption and constipation in adults: A cross-sectional study

The current study aimed to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in the general adult population. Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study were used to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in women (n=632) and men (n=609). Information on milk, yogurt and cheese, and constipation were self-reported. Total dairy was calculated by summing the intake of milk, yogurt and cheese and expressed as servings per day. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for irritable bowel syndrome, major depressive disorders, mobility, body mass index, age and fibre intake were used to examine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the consumption of categories of total dairy, milk, yogurt, cheese, and constipation. In women, consumption of 1-2 servings/d of total dairy was associated with reduced odds for constipation (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.26-0.90; P=0.021) compared to consuming <1 serving/d of total dairy after adjusting for covariates. Also, consumption of 1-4 servings/d of milk was associated with marginally reduced odds for constipation (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.39-1.02; P=0.058) compared to women who consumed <1 serving/d of milk after adjusting for covariates. There were no significant associations detected between other types of dairy consumption and constipation in women, and none in men. In women, consumption of moderate amounts of dairy is associated with reduced odds for constipation whereas in men no associations were detected between dairy consumption and constipation. Further studies are warranted to confirm results.

Herbal formula MaZiRenWan (Hemp Seed Pill) for constipation: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundThere is growing interest in using herbal supplements to treat constipation; however, little evidence exists for their use. PurposeThis study evaluates the efficacy and safety of herbal formula MaZiRenWan (Hemp Seed Pill, HSP) in patients with functional or non-functional constipation. Study DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis MethodsPubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched through April 20, 2020 for randomized trials of HSP versus placebo or medications for all types of constipation. The primary outcomes were complete response rate, complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM), patient-reported satisfactory treatment rate (prSTR), and adverse events (AEs). Clinical data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and the quality of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE system. ResultsThis review includes 1681 constipation patients from 17 moderate-to-high risk of bias trials that were conducted in east Asia. Two high-quality trials showed that HSP compared with placebo significantly increased weekly CSBM (mean difference, 0.95; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.35) and had a higher complete response rate (risk ratio [RR], 1.43; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.71) in patients with functional constipation. Low-quality evidence showed significant improvement in prSTR in HSP compared with conventional medications (RR, 1.79; 95% CI: 1.42, 2.25). Additionally, HSP use did not increase AEs compared with no HSP (p = 0.99). ConclusionsThis study found that HSP was effective among Asian patients with functional constipation. Rigorous trials need to be conducted in clinical populations outside of east Asia and in those with non-functional constipation to increase the generalizability of the evidence.

Awareness of causes of constipation in children among parents in Saudi Arabia

Background: Constipation among children is a common problem. There are two different types of constipation among children as follows: organic and functional. Functional constipation is caused by a low fiber diet and behavioral problems. Parents should have enough awareness about childhood constipation to manage it effectively. The present study aimes to assess the awareness of parents about the causes of constipation among their children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and conducted on parents through an electronic questionnaire between the period from January to April. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences IBM version 22 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: The current study included 366 parents with a dominant age range of 18-35 years old (45.6%). More than 50% of parents knew the causes of children’s constipation, and the most reported reason was decreased water intake (91.5%). There were 3% and 1.4% of parents who had poor and the best attitude, respectively. There were 1.4%, and 11.5% of parents with poor and the best behavior, respectively. The mean of knowledge was significantly affected by sex (p = 0.0001), nationality (p = 0.009), and the number of children (p = 0.0001). The attitude wasn’t affected by any demographics, whereas the behavior was affected significantly by sex only (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: There was a moderate level of parents’ knowledge about the cause of constipation among children and poor attitude with good behavior.

Constipação Crônica: Tratamento com Ventosaterapia - Estudo de Caso

Background: Constipation is a symptom defined by the ocurrence of any manifestation such as ificulty or pain when evacuationg and bowel movements less than three times a week. In recent years, chronic intestinal constipation has been considered a public heath problem due to its high prevalence. There are several types of constipation among the functional one stands out which is characterized by the absence of defined organic causes, usually treated with the ingestion of fibers, liquids and physical exercises. Conventional methods with diets and medicines are not always sufficient. Objective: Analyzing the effects of treatment with ventosatherapy in severe constipation. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared and applied to the person responsible for the municipal health department of each municipality. Results: Clinical case study with a 28-year-old volunteer patient with severe constipation. The technique used in the study was sliding cupping therapy. One session a week was held for 13 weeks. Conclusion: The symptoms of constipation disappeared in the fourth session contiuing with a daily bowel movement until the end of the intervention. The sliding method therapy technique was effective in the treatment of severe constipation.

Feasibility of the constipation point-of-care ultrasound educational program in observing fecal retention in the colorectum: A descriptive study.

Nurses have difficulty assessing the type of constipation by ordinal assessment methods and may therefore struggle to select an appropriate defecation care. Although previous studies described the safety and effectiveness of defecation care based on ultrasonographic observations in the colorectum, no standardized educational program has been established. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of the constipation point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) educational program regarding the use of ultrasonography as an assessment tool to determine different types of constipation. This descriptive study was conducted for visiting nurses working in Japan. The constipation POCUS educational program that nurses can learn in as short as 7 days comprised four elements: E-learning, a hands-on seminar, self-learning, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). The nurses were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the education materials. OSCEs were used to assess the participants' skills in assessing patients based on the use of ultrasound observation in the colorectum. Of the 44 participants who enrolled, 40 were able to complete the program. All the 40 participants (100.0%) who took the OSCEs were able to pass at the first attempt. Moreover, 94.9% of the trainees indicated that this program was able to cover the content necessary to use ultrasonography in home care settings. The results of this study suggest that the 7-day constipation POCUS educational program provided trainees with a foundational knowledge and skills to observe fecal retention in the colorectum. Thus, further educational program enhancements and clinical skill evaluations are needed to maximize the program's effectiveness in the future.

Assessment, diagnosis and management of constipation.

Constipation is a common, treatable condition that can be experienced by all age groups. This article outlines the different types of constipation and explains how the condition is diagnosed. A comprehensive and person-centred assessment is fundamental to identifying constipation, and should include taking the patient's clinical history and discussing any lifestyle factors that may be causing or contributing to the condition. This article also details the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that nurses can employ in the management of constipation, including providing advice on lifestyle changes and the use of laxatives.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY FIBER ON HUMAN HEALTH: A REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review literature data on the terminology, classification and physiological effects of dietary fibers. Results. The scientific studies on the terminology, classification and characteristics of various types of dietary fiber are presented, the sources of dietary fiber and their positive physiological effects are described. Nowadays no consensus definition has been given to the concept of dietary fibers. The authors point to dietary fibers being related to chemical compounds defined by structure, or functional properties, and/or a combination of both structural and functional properties. The authors noted one commonality in these definitions: each mentioned positive physiological effects. The modern classification system for dietary fibers is wide and diverse and can be based on origin, structure of polymers, solubility, ion exchange, sorption or physiological effect. Many studies have shown that dietary fibers can promote human health and help prevent specific chronic diseases that increase mortality and reduce life expectancy. Numerous healthful effects of the dietary fibers have been documented. These include curative and preventive effects for diseases such as obesity, certain types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and constipation. Conclusion. Fibers are considered before other nutrients to ensure a healthy nutrition. Research continues to contribute new data on the effect of dietary fiber on the human body.

Constipation Treatment: A Review.

Constipation seems like a ubiquitous condition, something people of all ages experience and many complain about. It is often associated with infrequent bowel movements; however, in reality, constipation has a wide array of symptoms including hard stools, feeling of incomplete evacuation, abdominal discomfort, bloating, distension, excessive straining, sensation of anorectal blockage, or need for manual maneuvers during defecation. Determining the cause of the constipation is essential to ensure the appropriate treatment approach. The patient evaluation consists of collecting subjective and objective information. Constipation has many different treatment options, with many treatments available as over-the-counter products as well as prescription medications. For most types of constipation, nonpharmacological and dietary changes are typically recommended as first-line treatment. Prescription medications are available with indications for specific types of constipation. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have a key role, and follow-up is important to ensure treatment is appropriate and adequate.

4,8-Dimethylcoumarin Inhibitors of Intestinal Anion Exchanger slc26a3 (Downregulated in Adenoma) for Anti-Absorptive Therapy of Constipation.

The chloride/bicarbonate exchanger SLC26A3 (downregulated in adenoma) is expressed mainly in colonic epithelium, where it dehydrates the stool by facilitating the final step of chloride and fluid absorption. SLC26A3 inhibition has predicted efficacy in various types of constipation including that associated with cystic fibrosis. We previously identified, by high-throughput screening, 4,8-dimethylcoumarin inhibitors of murine slc26a3 with IC50 down to ∼150 nM. Here, we synthesized a focused library of forty-three 4,8-dimethylcoumarin analogues. Structure-activity studies revealed the requirement of 4,8-dimethylcoumarin-3-acetic acid for activity. The most potent inhibitors were produced by replacements at C7, including 3-iodo- (4az) and 3-trifluoromethyl- (4be), with IC50 of 40 and 25 nM, respectively. Pharmacokinetics in mice showed predicted therapeutic concentrations of 4az for >72 h following a single 10 mg/kg oral dose. 4az at 10 mg/kg fully normalized stool water content in a loperamide-induced mouse model of constipation. The favorable inhibition potency, selectivity within the SLC26 family, and pharmacological properties of 4az support its further preclinical development.

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.

White Matter Microstructural Similarity and Diversity of Functional Constipation and Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background/AimsThe Rome III criteria separated chronic constipation into functional constipation (FC) and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), but some researchers questioned the partitioning and treated both as distinct parts of a continuum. The study aims to explore the similarity and diversity of brain white matter between FC and IBS-C.MethodsThe voxel-wise analysis of the diffusion parameters was used to quantify the white matter changes of female brains in 18 FC patients and 20 IBS-C patients compared with a comparison group with 19 healthy controls by tract-based spatial statistics. The correlations between diffusive parameters and clinical symptoms were evaluated using a Pearson’s correlation.ResultsIn comparison to healthy controls, FC patients showed a decrease of fractional anisotropy (FA) and an increase of radial diffusivity (RD) in multiple major fibers encompassing the corpus callosum (CC, P = 0.001 at peak), external capsule (P = 0.002 at peak), corona radiata (CR, P = 0.001 at peak), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF, P = 0.002 at peak). In contrast, IBS-C patients showed FA and RD aberrations in the CC (P = 0.048 at peak). Moreover, the direct comparison between FC and IBS-C showed only RD differences in the CR and SLF. In addition, FA and RD in the CC were significantly associated with abdominal pain for all patients, whereas FA in CR (P = 0.016) and SLF (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with the length of time per attempt and incomplete evacuation separately for FC patients.ConclusionThese results may improve our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying different types of constipation.

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.