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Surgical Endoscopy

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01-02-2014 | Technique

Colonic electrical stimulation for the treatment of slow-transit constipation: a preliminary pilot study

Authors: Jacopo Martellucci, Andrea Valeri

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Background

Electrical stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract is an attractive concept. In this article we report on a procedure for electrical colonic pacing due to intramuscular electrode placement for slow-transit constipation and some preliminary results.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2012, all consecutive patients affected by constipation and evaluated in our Pelvic Floor Center were prospectively assessed. Patients who underwent colonic electrical stimulation were evaluated for the present study.

Results

In the study period, 256 patients were evaluated for constipation; 58 % were identified as having obstructed defecation syndrome, 27.3 % with irritable bowel syndrome or mixed forms, 4 % with pelvic floor dyssynergia, and 10.5 % (27 patients) as having slow-transit constipation. After failure of all the maximal conventional therapies, two patients, candidates for colectomy, agreed to undergo colonic electrical stimulation before a resective treatment. Both patients were females, aged 34 and 29 years, and were suffering from severe constipation since childhood. The follow-up was 19 and 6 months. The number of bowel movements per week increased from 0.3 to 3.5 in the first patient and from 0.5 to 2.5 in the second patient. Both patients no longer needed laxatives, enemas, or any other treatment. The hospital stay was 4 days, the mean operative time was 120 min, and no complications were reported.

Conclusions

Colonic pacing seems to be feasible and shows positive results. Further studies are required with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period to confirm the role of this promising treatment for slow-transit constipation.

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Title: Colonic electrical stimulation for the treatment of slow-transit constipation: a preliminary pilot study
Authors: Jacopo Martellucci
Andrea Valeri
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3192-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Colonic electrical stimulation for the treatment of slow-transit constipation: a preliminary pilot study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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