Chronic constipation is defined as infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements lasting for several weeks or longer. It can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, and straining during bowel movements. The condition can be caused by various factors, including diet (low fiber intake), dehydration, lack of exercise, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Treatment often involves lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and using laxatives when necessary.
Procedures & Interventions
Biofeedback therapy is a non-surgical technique used for pelvic floor dysfunction, which often contributes to chronic constipation. The therapy involves sensors and visual aids to help patients retrain the muscles of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter to coordinate better during bowel movements. It is highly effective for functional constipation and improves bowel movement frequency and ease.
If chronic constipation is caused by slow-transit constipation, a condition where stool moves too slowly through the colon, treatments like sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be used. SNS involves a small device implanted to stimulate nerves that regulate bowel function, improving motility and stool passage.
For severe cases of colonic inertia (a condition where the colon fails to contract effectively), a subtotal colectomy may be recommended. This surgery involves removing a part or most of the colon and connecting the small intestine directly to the rectum. While it is a major surgical procedure, it can provide relief in cases where other treatments fail.
In women, chronic constipation may result from a rectocele, where the rectum bulges into the vagina, causing obstruction. A rectocele repair surgically corrects this condition, restoring normal anatomy and improving bowel function. The procedure may involve reinforcing the vaginal and rectal walls with sutures or mesh.
Chronic constipation can exacerbate or result in hemorrhoids, which can block stool passage and cause pain. A hemorrhoidectomy surgically removes swollen veins in the rectum or anus, alleviating symptoms and making stool passage more comfortable. This is typically reserved for severe hemorrhoids that don’t respond to conservative measures.
Biofeedback therapy is a non-surgical technique used for pelvic floor dysfunction, which often contributes to chronic constipation. The therapy involves sensors and visual aids to help patients retrain the muscles of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter to coordinate better during bowel movements. It is highly effective for functional constipation and improves bowel movement frequency and ease.
If chronic constipation is caused by slow-transit constipation, a condition where stool moves too slowly through the colon, treatments like sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be used. SNS involves a small device implanted to stimulate nerves that regulate bowel function, improving motility and stool passage.
For severe cases of colonic inertia (a condition where the colon fails to contract effectively), a subtotal colectomy may be recommended. This surgery involves removing a part or most of the colon and connecting the small intestine directly to the rectum. While it is a major surgical procedure, it can provide relief in cases where other treatments fail.
In women, chronic constipation may result from a rectocele, where the rectum bulges into the vagina, causing obstruction. A rectocele repair surgically corrects this condition, restoring normal anatomy and improving bowel function. The procedure may involve reinforcing the vaginal and rectal walls with sutures or mesh.
Chronic constipation can exacerbate or result in hemorrhoids, which can block stool passage and cause pain. A hemorrhoidectomy surgically removes swollen veins in the rectum or anus, alleviating symptoms and making stool passage more comfortable. This is typically reserved for severe hemorrhoids that don’t respond to conservative measures.
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