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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Constipation and evacuation disorders.

Dave Chatoor1, Anton Emmnauel

  • 1Physiology Unit, Podium level 2, Department of Gastroenterology, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU, UK.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|August 4, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation and evacuation difficulties are common, often linked to pelvic floor issues. Understanding causes and employing conservative or emerging therapies is key for effective management.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Constipation and evacuation difficulty are prevalent, frequently associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • These symptoms can be part of a broader pelvic floor issue, including bladder, sexual, and pain syndromes.
  • While functional causes are common, organic etiologies, especially in the elderly, require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding and treatment of constipation and evacuation difficulties.
  • To highlight advancements in physiological and imaging insights.
  • To discuss the evolving role of conservative and surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on constipation and evacuation difficulty.
  • Discussion of physiological and imaging advancements.
  • Analysis of conservative therapies, drug therapies, biofeedback, sacral neuromodulation, and surgical options.

Main Results:

  • Conservative therapies and evolving drug treatments offer holistic approaches.
  • Biofeedback roles are expanding to include physiotherapy and behavioral psychology.
  • Sacral neuromodulation is an emerging surgical option, with patient selection criteria under development.
  • Colectomy for functional constipation has high morbidity and often fails to resolve symptoms.
  • Surgery for rectocele and intussusception benefits anatomical cases; functional cases may worsen with surgery.

Conclusions:

  • A holistic approach combining conservative measures and targeted therapies is crucial.
  • Emerging treatments like sacral neuromodulation show promise but require further study.
  • Surgical interventions should be carefully selected based on anatomical versus functional causes to avoid complications.