Traumatic constipation.
In 4 patients, trauma to the lumbosacral area produced abnormalities similar to those seen after resection of the nervi erigentes. Mechanisms of the resulting constipation and fecal incontinence for liquid stools included a prolonged transit time through the entire colon, a low rectal pressure, spasticity of the anal canal, and abnormal anal reflexes. Previous trauma to the lower spine must be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic constipation.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000293:injuries; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000293:injuries