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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

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01-03-2016 | Original Article

Difficult defecation in constipated patients and its relationship to colonic disorders

Authors: Michel Bouchoucha, Ghislain Devroede, Cyriaque Bon, Florence Mary, Baktiar Bejou, Robert Benamouzig

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

Background

The importance in constipated subjects of having difficult defecation is poorly known. According to the Rome III criteria, constipated patients are classified as having either irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or functional constipation, depending on the presence and characteristics of abdominal pain. But, the Rome III criteria also identify another group of patients, labeled as suffering from functional anorectal disorders. Within this group, two complaints are akin to being constipated, but not labeled so: having dyssynergic defecation or inadequate defecation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to search for an association between difficult defecation and colonic transit abnormalities in constipated patients and, thus, shed some light on the definition of constipation according to the Rome III criteria.

Patients

Four hundred four consecutive patients (81 % female), aged 44.9 ± 16.6 years, with a BMI of 25.5 ± 6.4 kg/m² (mean ± SD), suffering from chronic constipation were included in the present study. After filling out a standard Rome III questionnaire, patients were classified as suffering from an irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or functional constipation. In addition, they were classified as complaining of difficult defecation or not. Patients completed the Bristol Stool Form Scale as well as visual analogue scales for constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. The colonic transit time was measured using radiopaque markers and analyzed according to three sites: the right colon, the left colon, and the rectosigmoid area.

Results

Difficult defecation is more frequent in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (84 %) than in patients with functional constipation (68 %). It is associated with an increase in constipation and abdominal pain scores on Likert scales, and a longer oroanal transit time, due to a delay in the left part of the colon.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that difficult defecation is part of a more generalized colorectal dysfunction in both irritable bowel syndrome and in functional constipation patients with an overlap of symptomatology. It also demonstrates the relative inadequacy of the Rome III criteria to describe the relationship between constipation and difficult defecation.

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Title: Difficult defecation in constipated patients and its relationship to colonic disorders
Authors: Michel Bouchoucha
Ghislain Devroede
Cyriaque Bon
Florence Mary
Baktiar Bejou
Robert Benamouzig
Publication date: 01-03-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-016-2528-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Difficult defecation in constipated patients and its relationship to colonic disorders

Abstract

Background

Objective

Patients

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Patients

Results

Conclusions

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