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Internal and Emergency Medicine
Published in: Internal and Emergency Medicine 4/2013

01-06-2013 | IM - REVIEW

A practical approach to diagnosis and management of functional constipation in adults

Authors: Gabrio Bassotti, Vincenzo Villanacci

Published in: Internal and Emergency Medicine | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

Chronic constipation is a frequently complained condition in clinical practice and may be primary (idiopathic) or due to secondary causes. The definition of the various forms of constipation is presently made according to the Rome III criteria, which recently incorporated also specific diagnostic algorithms. The diagnosis of constipation relies on the patient’s history, including use of drugs, physical examination, and specific investigations (transit time, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography). These will often be useful to start a targeted therapeutic schedule that may include fibres, laxatives, biofeedback training and, in extreme cases, a surgical approach. This review will analyse the clinical and diagnostic aspects of chronic constipation in adult patients, with emphasis on recent therapeutic approaches.
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Metadata
Title
A practical approach to diagnosis and management of functional constipation in adults
Authors
Gabrio Bassotti
Vincenzo Villanacci
Publication date
01-06-2013
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Internal and Emergency Medicine / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1828-0447
Electronic ISSN: 1970-9366
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-011-0698-0

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WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

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