Recent advances in the management of difficult constipation.
Constipation is a highly prevalent disorder. Some patients suffer from acute, intermittent episodes of constipation. Others, however, suffer from chronic constipation, a term that refers to those patients with symptoms of constipation for more than 6 months. In clinical practice, chronic constipation is often used interchangeably with the term functional constipation, which is currently defined using the Rome III criteria. Symptoms can be burdensome, leading to a reduction in patients' quality of life. In addition, chronic constipation is important because it imposes a significant economic impact to the health care system. Some patients with chronic constipation have persistent symptoms despite implementing lifestyle changes and using either over-the-counter agents or prescription medications. These patients may be categorized as having difficult constipation. This report will focus on recent advances in the management of difficult constipation, and include a discussion of new and upcoming medications as well as new diagnostic tests and procedures.
Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. Brian.E.Lacy@hitchcock.org
Brian E
BE
Lacy
John
J
Levenick
Michael
M
Crowell
D001572:Benzofurans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001572:Benzofurans; D054368:Laxatives; D010455:Peptides; C406662:prucalopride; C523483:linaclotide