Colonic motility studies in severe chronic constipation: an organic approach to a functional problem

Chronic constipation is one of the more frequent functional gastrointestinal symptoms. The more severe cases not infrequently undergo a major surgical approach. However, there is still a need for a better diagnostic and therapeutic approach, since the results are still unpredictable, probably due to a poor selection of candidates. This article focuses on the current diagnostic approach to chronic constipation, with an emphasis on the possible role of colonic manometry to help better choose those patients that may benefit from surgery.