[Constipation. Proposal for a new classification and therapy]

The Authors propose a new classification for constipation according to which 84 patients were selected (63 females, 21 males) for a functional rehabilitation programme. Patients were subjected to a diagnostic protocol involving the performance of a number of instrumental tests. Degree and symptomatology of constipation were established by taking the clinical history of the patient. The rehabilitation protocol involved the simultaneous performance of physiokinesitherapy, electrostimulation and biofeedback of the pelvic floor. Patients underwent 3 weekly sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, over a series of 15 consecutive sessions, followed by a series of 6 consecutive sessions every three months. One-year results showed that 77 patients (92%) reported achieving regular intestinal activity with at least one evacuation a day and at intervals of no more than 3 days, and with a modification of faecal consistency and discontinuation of laxatives and/or cathartics. The other 7 patients (8%) continued using laxatives at a minimal dosage but had an improved evacuation rate and faecal consistency. The results show that many patients with constipations can undergo rehabilitation procedures with encouraging and remarkable therapeutic success.