title: Slow transit constipation: a functional disorder becomes an enteric neuropathy.
abstract: Slow transit constipation has been traditionally considered and classified as a functional disorder. However, clinical and manometric evidence has been accumulating that suggests how most of the motility alterations in STC might be considered of neuropathic type. In addition, further investigations showed that subtle alterations of the enteric nervous system, not evident to conventional histological examination, may be present in these patients. In the present article we will discuss these evidences, and will try to put them in relation with the abnormal motor function of the large bowel documented in this pathological condition.
authors.forename: Gabrio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bassotti
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Villanacci
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003248:Constipation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans