Colectomy for constipation: time trends and impact based on the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1998-2011

Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Constipation

Functional constipation is a common clinical diagnosis that affects approximately 14% of the world's population. Non-pharmacological therapies often represent the initial steps in management and may include lifestyle adjustments or changes such as physical activity and diet. Pharmacological options have been used when the non-pharmacological approach has been ineffective. Biofeedback therapy, surgery, sacral nerve stimulation, botulinum toxin injection, and vibrating capsules can be considered in scenarios where the laxatives are ineffective. Biofeedback therapy is highly effective and safe in treating dyssynergic defecation, which affects more than half of patients with chronic constipation. This paper overviews non-pharmacological therapies for functional constipation.

Comparing the short-term clinical outcomes and therapeutic effects of different colectomies in patients with refractory slow-transit constipation in eastern countries: a network meta-analysis

Surgical treatment has been widely used in patients with refractory slow transit constipation (RSTC). The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the effects of different colectomies on short-term postoperative complications and quality of life in patients with RSTC. Electronic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, WANFANG DATA, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials databases and were searched up to December 2022. Selected to compare the short-term clinical outcomes and quality of life of the treatment of RSTC. A random-effects Bayesian NMA was conducted to assess and rank the effectiveness of different surgical modalities. This study included a total of six non-randomized controlled trials involving 336 subjects. It was found that subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) demonstrated superior effectiveness in several aspects, including reduced hospital stay (MD 0.06; 95% CI [0.02, 1.96]), shorter operative time (MD 4.75; 95% CI [0.28, 14.07]), lower constipation index (MD 0.61; 95% CI [0.04, 1.71]), improved quality of life (MD 4.42; 95% CI [0.48, 4.42]). Additionally, in terms of short-term clinical outcomes, subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoidal anastomosis (SC-ISA) procedure ranked the highest in reducing small bowel obstruction (OR 0.24; 95% CI [0.02, 0.49]), alleviating abdominal pain (OR 0.53; 95% CI [0.05, 1.14]), minimizing abdominal distension (OR 0.33; 95% CI [0.02, 0.65]), and reducing incision infection rates (OR 0.17; 95% CI [0.01, 0.33]). Furthermore, SC-ISA ranked as the best approach in terms of patient satisfaction (OR 0.66; 95% CI [0.02, 1.46]). Based on our research findings, we recommend that CRA be considered as the preferred treatment approach for patients diagnosed with RSTC.

Laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation

To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA) and laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (SC-ACRA) on adults with slow transit constipation (STC). One hundred and three patients with STC were assigned to the TC-IRA group (n = 53) and the SC-ACRA group (n = 50). The clinical data were analyzed. The surgery was successful in all patients (100%). Significantly (P = 0.03) more patients took anti-laxatives during hospitalization in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (39.62% vs. 20.00%). Abdominal pain and distension was present in 33.96% and 32.00% patients in the TC-IRA and SC-ACRA group, respectively, which decreased insignificantly (P > 0.05) to 18.87% and 18.00% 24 months after surgery, respectively. The postoperative Wexner and gastrointestinal quality of life (GIQLI) scores were not significantly different (P > 0.05) at all times after surgery in both groups. The defecation frequency decreased in both groups, and the average defecation frequency was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (3.91 ± 1.23 vs. 3.14 ± 1.15 times/day) at 3 months. Three months after surgery, significantly (P < 0.05) fewer patients were satisfied with defecation frequency in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (29 vs. 37 patients), whereas the number of patients who were willing to choose the same procedure again was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between the two groups. The WIS score of patients was significantly (P = 0.035) higher in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (6 vs. 5) 3 months later. TC-IRA and SC-ACRA are both safe and effective for adult slow transit constipation, and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. Even though SC-ACRA has better early defecation frequency, postoperative antidiarrheal application and satisfaction, the long-term follow-up effects are similar.

Unrecognized Functional Dyspepsia Among Those With Refractory Chronic Constipation: Analysis of a Tertiary Cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with functional constipation (FC) are frequently dissatisfied with current treatment options which may be related to persistent, unaddressed symptoms. We hypothesized that refractory FC may actually represent functional dyspepsia (FD) overlap. Among adults presenting with refractory FC, we sought to (1) identify the prevalence of concurrent FD and (2) identify the symptoms and presentations most frequently associated with concurrent FD and FC.

METHODS

We assembled a retrospective cohort of 308 patients sequentially presenting to a tertiary neurogastroenterology clinic for evaluation of refractory FC, defined as having failed first-line therapy. Using Rome IV criteria, trained raters identified the presence and characteristics of concurrent FD in addition to demographics, presenting complaints, and psychological comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 308 patients presenting with refractory FC (average of 3.0 ± 2.3 constipation treatments tried unsuccessfully), 119 (38.6%) had concurrent FD. Aside from meeting FD criteria, the presence of concurrent FD was associated with patient complaints of esophageal symptoms (Odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-5.42) and bloating and distension (Odds ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-4.89). Patients with concurrent FD were more likely to have a history of an eating disorder (21.0% vs 12.7%) and were also more likely to present with current avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder-related symptoms (31.9% vs 21.7%).

CONCLUSION

Almost 40% of adult patients referred for refractory FC met criteria for concurrent FD in a tertiary-level cohort. The presence of both FC and FD was associated with greater esophageal symptoms and bloating/distention. Determining presence of concurrent FD may represent an additional therapeutic opportunity in refractory patients who may attribute symptoms to FC alone.

Diagnosis of colonic dysmotility associated with autonomic dysfunction in patients with chronic refractory constipation

We report the first study assessing human colon manometric features and their correlations with changes in autonomic functioning in patients with refractory chronic constipation prior to consideration of surgical intervention. High-resolution colonic manometry (HRCM) with simultaneous heart rate variability (HRV) was performed in 14 patients, and the resulting features were compared to healthy subjects. Patients were categorized into three groups that had normal, weak, or no high amplitude propagating pressure waves (HAPWs) to any intervention. We found mild vagal pathway impairment presented as lower HAPW amplitude in the proximal colon in response to proximal colon balloon distention. Left colon dysmotility was observed in 71% of patients, with features of (1) less left colon HAPWs, (2) lower left colon HAPW amplitudes (69.8 vs 102.3 mmHg), (3) impaired coloanal coordination, (4) left colon hypertonicity in patients with coccyx injury. Patients showed the following autonomic dysfunction: (1) high sympathetic tone at baseline, (2) high sympathetic reactivity to active standing and meal, (3) correlation of low parasympathetic reactivity to the meal with absence of the coloanal reflex, (4) lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic activity during occurrence of HAPWs. In conclusion, left colon dysmotility and high sympathetic tone and reactivity, more so than vagal pathway impairment, play important roles in refractory chronic constipation and suggests sacral neuromodulation as a possible treatment.

The Sphincter of O'Beirne-Part 2: Report of a Case of Chronic Constipation with Autonomous Dyssynergia

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation can have one or more of many etiologies, and a diagnosis based on symptoms is not sufficient as a basis for treatment, in particular surgery.

AIM

To investigate the cause of chronic constipation in a patient with complete absence of spontaneous bowel movements.

METHODS

High-resolution colonic manometry was performed to assess motor functions of the colon, rectum, the sphincter of O'Beirne and the anal sphincters.

RESULTS

Normal colonic motor patterns were observed, even at baseline, but a prominent high-pressure zone at the rectosigmoid junction, the sphincter of O'Beirne, was consistently present. In response to high-amplitude propagating pressure waves (HAPWs) that were not consciously perceived, the sphincter and the anal sphincters would not relax and paradoxically contract, identified as autonomous dyssynergia. Rectal bisacodyl evoked marked HAPW activity with complete relaxation of the sphincter of O'Beirne and the anal sphincters, indicating that all neural pathways to generate the coloanal reflex were intact but had low sensitivity to physiological stimuli. A retrograde propagating cyclic motor pattern initiated at the sphincter of O'Beirne, likely contributing to failure of content to move into the rectum.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic constipation without the presence of spontaneous bowel movements can be associated with normal colonic motor patterns but a highly exaggerated pressure at the rectosigmoid junction: the sphincter of O'Beirne, and failure of this sphincter and the anal sphincters to relax associated with propulsive motor patterns. The sphincter of O'Beirne can be an important part of the pathophysiology of chronic constipation.

Slow-transit constipation and criteria for colectomy: a cross-sectional study of 1568 patients

Background

Colectomy remains a treatment option for a minority of patients with slow-transit constipation (STC) refractory to conservative treatment. However careful patient selection is essential to maximize benefits and minimize risk of adverse outcome. This study determined the proportion of patients with chronic constipation that would meet criteria for colectomy based on recent European graded practice recommendations derived by expert consensus.

Methods

Retrospective application of graded practice recommendations was undertaken on a prospectively maintained data set of consecutive adult patients with chronic constipation who underwent whole-gut transit studies using radio-opaque markers. Primary analysis applied contraindications achieving high level of expert consensus (normal whole-gut transit as an absolute contraindication and faecal incontinence as a relative contraindication for colectomy). Secondary analysis applied contraindications with less certain consensus.

Results

Primary analysis of 1568 patients undergoing a whole-gut transit study between January 2004 and March 2016 found 208 (13.3 per cent) met published criteria to be selected for colectomy, with 974 excluded for normal whole-gut transit and 386 for faecal incontinence. Secondary analysis demonstrated high prevalence of other relative contraindications to colectomy: 165 concomitant upper gastrointestinal symptoms, 216 abdominal pain (including 126 irritable bowel syndrome), and 446 evacuation disorder. The majority of patients (416 of 594) had two or more relative contraindications. If these patients were excluded, only 26 (1.7 per cent) chronically constipated patients retrospectively met selection criteria for colectomy.

Conclusions

The retrospective application of selection criteria is a limitation. However, the data highlight the high prevalence of factors associated with poor postoperative outcome and provide further caution to surgeons undertaking colectomy for STC.

Characterization of gut contractility and microbiota in patients with severe chronic constipation

Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Its pathogenesis, however, remains largely unclear. The purpose of the present work was to gain an insight into the role of contractility and microbiota in the etiology of CC. To this end, we studied spontaneous and evoked contractile activity of descending colon segments from patients that have undergone surgery for refractory forms of CC. The juxta-mucosal microbiota of these colon samples were characterized with culture-based and 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. In patients with CC the spontaneous colonic motility remained unchanged compared to the control group without dysfunction of intestinal motility. Moreover, contractions induced by potassium chloride and carbachol were increased in both circular and longitudinal colonic muscle strips, thus indicating preservation of contractile apparatus and increased sensitivity to cholinergic nerve stimulation in the constipated intestine. In the test group, the gut microbiota composition was assessed as being typically human, with four dominant bacterial phyla, namely Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, as well as usual representation of the most prevalent gut bacterial genera. Yet, significant inter-individual differences were revealed. The phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota was not affected by age, sex, or colonic anatomy (dolichocolon, megacolon). The abundance of butyrate-producing genera Roseburia, Coprococcus, and Faecalibacterium was low, whereas conventional probiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria were not decreased in the gut microbiomes of the constipated patients. As evidenced by our study, specific microbial biomarkers for constipation state are absent. The results point to a probable role played by the overall gut microbiota at the functional level. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive characterization of CC pathogenesis, finding lack of disruption of motor activity of colonic smooth muscle cells and insufficiency of particular members of gut microbiota usually implicated in CC.

Circular RNAs in early brain development and their influence and clinical significance in neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders represent a set of severe and complex mental illnesses, and the exact etiologies of which are unknown. It has been well documented that impairments in the early development of the brain contribute to the pathogenesis of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders largely relies on subjective cognitive assessment, because there are no widely accepted biochemical or genetic biomarkers for diagnosing mental illness. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous non-coding RNA (ncRNA) with a closed-loop structure. In recent years, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the expression profiles and biological roles of circRNAs. In the brain, circRNAs are particularly enriched and are expressed more abundantly in contrast to linear counterpart transcripts. They are highly active at neuronal synapses. These features make circRNAs uniquely crucial for understanding brain health, disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review focuses on the role of circRNAs in early brain development and other brain-related processes that have been associated with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, we discuss the potential for blood or cerebrospinal fluid circRNAs to be used as novel biomarkers in the early diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. The findings reviewed here may provide new insight into the pathological mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Surgical outcomes of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic caecorectal anastomosis vs total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for intractable slow-transit constipation

Background

Few studies have compared the surgical outcomes of different surgical procedures currently used to treat refractory colonic slow-transit constipation (STC), despite the increase in the number of cases. This study aimed to analyse the long-term surgical outcomes of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic caecorectal anastomosis (SC-ACRA) vs total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA) for severe STC.

Methods

Between January 2005 and January 2015, we retrospectively collected clinical data of 55 patients who underwent TC-IRA (n = 35) or SC-ACRA (n = 20) for severe STC at our institution. The post-operative functional outcomes between the two groups were compared.

Results

There were no significant differences in age (P = 0.655), sex (P = 0.234), period of constipation (P = 0.105) and defecation frequency (P = 0.698) between the TC-IRA and SC-ACRA groups. During a median follow-up period of 72 months (range, 12–120 months), there were no significant differences between the TC-IRA and SC-ACRA groups regarding the median number of bowel movements per day [3 (1/6–7) vs 3 (1/6–5), P = 0.578], Cleveland Clinic Florida Constipation Score [2 (0–20) vs 2 (0–19), P = 0.454], Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score [0 (0–5) vs 0 (0–2), P = 0.333] and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [122 (81–132) vs 120 (80–132), P = 0.661]. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the incidence of post-operative complications between the two groups (37.1% vs 25.0%, P = 0.285).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that both TC-IRA and SC-ACRA are effective treatments for severe STC, with similar long-term outcomes.

A randomized double-blinded sham-controlled cross-over trial of tined-lead sacral nerve stimulation testing for chronic constipation

OBJECTIVES

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may provide long-term symptom relief to patients suffering from chronic constipation. Patients are currently selected for SNS using a 2-week peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) comprising stimulation by temporary leads. However, only 40% of test responders receive long-term benefit from treatment meaning that healthcare costs per successfully treated patient are too high. The primary objective was to assess tined-lead testing to predict benefit from SNS for chronic constipation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized double-blind sham-controlled cross-over design evaluated enhanced PNE (ePNE) using tined quadripolar electrode leads over 6 weeks. The design differentiated between patients with discriminate and indiscriminate responses to testing. A score improvement of 25% or more was considered to be a positive response within a stimulation period. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients showing a reduction of at least 0.5 in constipation symptom score at 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were randomized, of whom 29 (64.4%) were test-phase responders. Of these, 27 were implanted providing permanent SNS. During ePNE, seven (18%) were discriminate responders, 22 (56%) were indiscriminate responders and 10 (26%) were nonresponders. Six patients were withdrawn during the test phase because of infection or noncompliance. At 6 months, there was no significant difference in primary outcome between discriminate and indiscriminate responders (60 vs. 57%, P=0.76). The study was terminated prematurely because of a persistent infection rate of 10 (22%) during ePNE of which nine (20%) were severe.

CONCLUSION

ePNE is a poor predictor of treatment response at 6 months. This suggests a strong and persistent placebo response during both SNS PNE and treatment. An extended 6-week PNE poses a high risk of infection.

The feasibility of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis in community practice for slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate if slow transit constipation (STC) can be accurately diagnosed, selecting patients appropriate for surgery, and safely perform laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) with acceptable short and long-term outcomes in the setting of medically complex patients in a community practice.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed at a private community surgical practice. Cohort involved 10 patients with up to 10 years in follow-up care with a diverse range of ages, body mass index (BMI) and medical conditions. Pre-operative work-up followed a comprehensive algorithm designed to rule out organic conditions and dyssynergistic defecation. The Sitz Mark Colon Transit Study was used to confirm STC. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with CRA techniques were used in all cases. Frequency of BMs and patient satisfaction over the study period were tabulated.

RESULTS

Average post-operative length of stay (LOS) was five days. One early major post-operative complication occurred, however there were no perioperative deaths, anastomotic leaks or revisions of the original surgery after discharge from the hospital. Two patients died due to non-bowel related causes. An incisional hernia was the single long-term complication. Initial post-operative BMs averaged several per day. In the 1-5 year follow-up, BMs tapered down from 1 to 2/day with some laxative use. By the 5th to 10th year follow-up, constipation occurred with 2-3 BMs/week, all requiring an osmotic laxative. Most patients, however, were satisfied with their bowel pattern.

CONCLUSION

Surgical candidates with severe STC can be accurately diagnosed and treated with minimally invasive surgery in community practice with acceptable outcomes as compared to outcomes published in the literature.

Anterograde colonic irrigations by percutaneous endoscopic caecostomy in refractory colorectal functional disorders

PURPOSE

In case reports or small studies, percutaneous endoscopic caecostomy (PEC) has been proposed as an alternative to the Malone intervention to perform antegrade colonic enemas. Our goal was to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerance of PEC in a large group of patients with refractory colorectal functional disorders.

METHODS

From September 2006 to April 2014, all patients undergoing PEC for constipation, fecal incontinence, and incontinence after rectal resection in two expert centers were studied. The PEC procedure consisted in anchoring the caecum to the abdominal wall (caecopexy) and placing a specifically designed tube in the colonic lumen to perform antegrade enemas. The quality of life (GIQLI), constipation (Kess), and incontinence (Cleveland) scores were assessed before PEC and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients were included. GIQLI scores were significantly improved in constipation group (n = 43), incontinence group (n = 19), and rectal resection group (n = 10). In the constipation group, Kess score decreased from 25.9 before PEC to 20.6 at 2 years (p = 0.01). In the incontinence and post-rectal resection groups, Cleveland scores decreased from 14.3 before PEC to 2.7 at 6 months (p = 0.01) and to 10.4 at 2 years (p = 0.04). Overall, PEC was considered successful by patients in 58%, 74%, and 90% of cases, in constipation, incontinence, and rectal resection groups, respectively. Chronic pain (52%) at the catheter site was the most frequent complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous endoscopic caecostomy for antegrade colonic enemas improves significantly the quality of life of patients with colorectal disorder refractory to medical treatment.

Usefulness of Bisacodyl Testing on Therapeutic Outcomes in Refractory Constipation

BACKGROUND

Although chronically constipated patients usually respond to medical treatment, there is a subgroup with scarce/no response, generally labeled as refractory or intractable. However, whether this lack of response is real or due to ancillary causes (suboptimal dosage, lack of compliance etc.) is unknown.

AIMS

To see whether a pharmacologic test (bisacodyl colonic intraluminal infusion during manometric assessment) may predict the therapeutic outcome.

METHODS

Data of patients undergoing 24/h colonic manometry for severe intractable constipation in whom the bisacodyl test (10 ml of drug dissolved into saline and injected through the more proximal recording port) had been carried out were retrieved and analysed, and correlations with the therapeutic outcome made.

RESULTS

Overall, charts from 38 patients (5 men) were available; of these, only 21% displayed naive high-amplitude propagated contractions (average, less than 2/24 h), mostly meal-induced, during the recordings. A bisacodyl response was present in 31.6% patients, with a mean number of events of 1.8 per patient. After bisacodyl testing, 47.3% patients underwent intensive medical treatment, 44.7% surgery (medical failures), and 8% transanal irrigation, a procedure employed to treat refractory patients. The presence of naive propulsive contractions significantly correlated with the response to bisacodyl infusion (p < 0.0001), and with a favourable outcome to intensive medical treatment (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The bisacodyl test may be clinically useful to better categorize constipated patients erroneously labelled as intractable and to exclude true colonic inertia, thus avoiding surgery in more than 30% of these subjects.

Refractory Constipation: What is the Clinician to Do?

Most clinicians will agree that chronic constipation is characterized by abnormal bowel movement consistency and/or frequency plus or minus evacuation symptoms, but patient perception of constipation varies widely and includes symptoms that may or may not meet official defining criteria. Although intermittent constipation is extremely common, only a small minority of patients seek care for their symptoms. Among these patients, dissatisfaction with the currently available laxative options is not uncommon, and many patients will require specialized care for severe or refractory symptoms-especially those with abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome overlap, bloating or distention, and psychological comorbidities. This review outlines a physiological assessment of the patient with refractory constipation, exploring treatment options among patients with slow transit, rectal evacuation disorders, and normal transit. In addition, we explore nonlaxative approaches to normal-transit patients bothered by ongoing symptoms, with an emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of functional gastrointestinal disease and treatment of visceral hypersensitivity using neuromodulators. Finally, we propose a comprehensive evaluation algorithm for the management of patients with refractory slow-transit constipation considering surgery and examine surgical options including colectomy and cecostomy using an antegrade continent enema.

Expert consensus on the assessment and treatment of chronic constipation in the elderly

It is of significant importance to scientifically assess and efficiently address chronic constipation in the elderly population. Therefore, organizing some domestic experts of geriatrics and gastroenterology, we have formulated this consensus to reference for clinical staff.

When all seems lost: management of refractory constipation-Surgery, rectal irrigation, percutaneous endoscopic colostomy, and more

While the pharmacological armamentarium for chronic constipation has expanded over the past few years, a substantial proportion of constipated patients do not respond to these medications. This review summarizes the pharmacological and behavioral options for managing constipation and details the management of refractory constipation. Refractory constipation is defined as an inadequate improvement in constipation symptoms evaluated with an objective scale despite adequate therapy (ie, pharmacological and/or behavioral) that is based on the underlying pathophysiology of constipation. Minimally invasive (ie, rectal irrigation and percutaneous endoscopic colostomy) and surgical therapies are used to manage refractory constipation. This review appraises these options, and in particular, percutaneous endoscopic colostomy, which as detailed by an article in this issue, is a less invasive option for managing refractory constipation than surgery. While these options benefit some patients, the evidence of the risk: benefit profile for these therapies is limited.

Depression but Not Symptom Severity is Associated With Work and School Absenteeism in Refractory Chronic Constipation

GOALS

We sought to determine the patient characteristics associated with increased absenteeism and Emergency Department (ED) utilization among patients with constipation.

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation is associated with significant direct and indirect economic costs. There has been limited study of the predictors of direct and indirect costs in a population with refractory constipation.

STUDY

We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of patients with chronic constipation who presented to a tertiary care center for anorectal manometry. We used standardized instruments to assess disease severity, quality of life, somatization, and psychiatric comorbidities. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the predictors of work and school absenteeism as well as ED visits for constipation.

RESULTS

There were 148 consecutive patients enrolled (87% female, mean age 43) of whom 32 (21.6%) had high absenteeism and 36 (24.3%) visited the ED for constipation in the past year. Patients with high absenteeism and ED visits were more likely to be depressed (56.3% vs. 18.5%, P<0.0001 for high absenteeism; 47.2% vs. 19.6%, P<0.01 for ED visits). After multivariable adjustment and sensitivity analyses, only depression (OR, 4.41; P<0.01) was associated with increased absenteeism while there was a trend toward an association between depression and ED visits (OR, 2.57; P=0.067). Symptom severity was not associated with high absenteeism or ED utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with chronic constipation, depression is a stronger predictor of absenteeism than symptom severity. Depression may drive a portion of the indirect costs of chronic constipation.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Results I: Colonic resection

AIM

To assess the outcomes of colectomy in adults with chronic constipation (CC).

METHOD

Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all CapaCiTY reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements (SES) with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) level.

RESULTS

Forty articles were identified, providing data on outcomes in 2045 patients. Evidence was derived almost exclusively from observational studies, the majority of which concerned colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (CIRA) rather than other procedural variations. Average length of stay (LOS) ranged between 7-15 days. Although inconsistent, laparoscopic surgery may be associated with longer mean operating times (210 vs 167 min) and modest decreases in LOS (10-8 days). Complications occurred in approximately 24% of patients. Six (0.4%) procedure-related deaths were observed. Recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction occurred in about 15% (95%CI: 10-21%) of patients in the long-term, with significant burden of re-hospitalisation and frequent recourse to surgery. Most patients reported a satisfactory or good outcome after colectomy but negative long-term functional outcomes persist in a minority of patients. The influence of resection extent, anastomotic configuration and method of access on complication rates remains uncertain. Available evidence weakly supports selection of patients with an isolated slow-transit phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Colectomy for CC may benefit some patients but at the cost of substantial short- and long-term morbidity. Current evidence is insufficient to guide patient or procedural selection.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Graded practice and future research recommendations

AIM

This manuscript forms the final of seven that address the surgical management of chronic constipation (CC) in adults. The content coalesces results from the five systematic reviews that precede it and of the European Consensus process to derive graded practice recommendations (GPR).

METHODS

Summary of review data, development of GPR and future research recommendations as outlined in detail in the 'introduction and methods' paper.

RESULTS

The overall quality of data in the five reviews was poor with 113/156(72.4%) of included studies providing only level IV evidence and only four included level I RCTs. Coalescence of data from the five procedural classes revealed that few firm conclusions could be drawn regarding procedural choice or patient selection: no single procedure dominated in addressing dynamic structural abnormalities of the anorectum and pelvic floor with each having similar overall efficacy. Of one hundred 'prototype' GPRs developed by the clinical guideline group, 85/100 were deemed 'appropriate' based on the independent scoring of a panel of 18 European experts and use of RAND-UCLA consensus methodology. The remaining 15 were all deemed uncertain. Future research recommendations included some potential RCTs but also a strong emphasis on delivery of large multinational high-quality prospective cohort studies.

CONCLUSION

While the evidence base for surgery in CC is poor, the widespread European consensus for GPRs is encouraging. Professional bodies have the opportunity to build on this work by supporting the efforts of their membership to help convert the documented recommendations into clinical guidelines.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Cecostomy (LAPEC) in Children and Young Adults

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy (LAPEC) procedure both in children and young adults, along with review of their pre-operative motility profiles, antegrade continence enema (ACE) regimen, and postoperative complications.

METHODS

This retrospective review investigated 38 patients (32 children and 6 young adults) that underwent the LAPEC procedure. Primary outcomes evaluated were success versus failure of the procedure and post-operative complications. Success was defined as daily stool evacuation with minimal to no fecal incontinence per week.

RESULTS

Mean follow up time was 25.8 ± 22.4 months. Indications for LAPEC included slow transit constipation or colonic neuropathy (n = 22), other types of constipation (n = 5), and a variety of congenital disorders (n = 11). The overall success rate was 95% (36/38 patients) with the two failures in children, both attributed to inability to use the tube due to underlying behavioral disorders or severe anxiety. Five patients above age 18 had leakage compared to 6 in the under age 18 group (83% vs. 19, P = 0.003). There were no other significant complications.

CONCLUSION

LAPEC is a safe and effective means of addressing refractory constipation and fecal incontinence in children and young adults who have failed medical management with minimal post-operative complications.

Randomized clinical trial of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory constipation

Background

Open studies have reported favourable results for sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory constipation. Here, its efficacy was assessed in a double-blind crossover RCT.

Methods

Patients with at least two of the following criteria were included: fewer than three bowel movements per week; straining to evacuate on more than 25 per cent of attempts; or sensation of incomplete evacuation on more than 25 per cent of occasions. Response to therapy was defined as at least three bowel movements per week and/or more than 50 per cent improvement in symptoms. Responders to an initial 3-week peripheral nerve evaluation were offered permanent implantation of a pulse generator and were assigned randomly in a crossover design to two 8-week intervals of active or sham stimulation. At the end of the two trial periods, the patients received active stimulation until the final evaluation at 1 year.

Results

Thirty-six patients (34 women; mean(s.d.) age 45(14) years) underwent peripheral nerve evaluation. Twenty responded and received a permanent stimulator. A positive response was observed in 12 of 20 and 11 of 20 patients after active and sham stimulation periods respectively (P = 0·746). Pain related to the device occurred in five patients and wound infection or haematoma in three, leading to definitive removal of the pulse generator in two patients. At 1 year, 11 of the 20 patients with an implanted device continued to respond. Stimulation had no significant effect on colonic transit time.

Conclusion

These results do not support the recommendation of permanent implantation of a pulse generator in patients with refractory constipation who initially responded to temporary nerve stimulation. Registration number: NCT01629303 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Management of chronic constipation in adults

Chronic constipation (CC) is an extremely common condition with an estimated prevalence of up to 24%. Most patients with CC should be treated in primary care. Changes in lifestyle, including increased intake of dietary fibre, fluid, and exercise, should be attempted in most patients. Osmotic or stimulant laxatives are indicated if there are insufficient effects of lifestyle changes. Prokinetics and secretagogues should be restricted to those not responding to basic treatment. Anorectal physiology tests and assessment of colorectal transit time are indicated if medical treatment fails or if symptoms indicate severely obstructed defecation. If symptoms indicate an underlying structural disorder, barium or magnetic resonance evacuation proctography is indicated. Biofeedback therapy is effective in patients with dyssynergic defecation. In patients with other evacuation disorders, rectally administered laxatives or transanal irrigation should be attempted. Surgery is restricted to the minority of CC patients with very severe symptoms not responding to conservative treatment.