Efficacy of multidisciplinary approach in treatment of constipation: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a multidisciplinary Hong Kong treatment programme for patients with constipation.


METHODS
Pilot study.


METHODS
A joint collaboration among the departments of surgery, physiotherapy, and dietetics in a regional hospital in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Thirty-one constipated patients with normal colonic transit and pelvic floor dyssynergia.


METHODS
Multidisciplinary treatment including dietary modification, bowel habit adjustment, and physiotherapy.


METHODS
Anorectal manometry, fibre intake, subjective improvement, bowel frequency, Bristol score, and straining time and effort.


RESULTS
Significant improvement was found in mean fibre intake, straining time and effort, but not in anal manometric results. A total of 78% of patients demonstrated more than 50% improvement in subjective symptoms, whereas 70% of the patients enjoyed objective improvement in pelvic floor dyssynergia documented by electromyography and anal pressure during a push effort.


CONCLUSIONS
The multidisciplinary rehabilitative programme for constipated patients significantly improved symptoms. Electromyography and anal pressure during a push effort are useful tools for objective assessment of the treatment effect.
Lau
P Y Y
PY
Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong: Department of Surgery. patrickyylau@yahoo.com
Fung
B
B
Meng
W C S
WC
Leung
R
R
Yip
A W C
AW
So
S P
SP
Lee
Q S Y
QS
Chan
D
D
D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects