Abstract Constipation is a very common complaint, with slow‐transit constipation (STC) accounting for a significant proportion of cases. Old age, female gender, psychiatric illness, and history of sexual abuse are… Click to show full abstract
Abstract Constipation is a very common complaint, with slow‐transit constipation (STC) accounting for a significant proportion of cases. Old age, female gender, psychiatric illness, and history of sexual abuse are all associated with STC. The exact cause of STC remains elusive; however, multiple immune and cellular changes have been demonstrated. Diagnosis requires evidence of slowed colonic transit which may be achieved via numerous modalities. While a variety of medical therapies exist, these are often met with limited success and a minority of patients ultimately require operative intervention. When evaluating a patient with STC, it is important to determine the presence of concomitant obstructed defecation or other forms of enteric dysmotility, as this may affect treatment decisions. Although a variety of surgical procedures have been reported, subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the most commonly performed and well‐studied procedure, with the best track record of success.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.