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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,...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy01:25

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
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...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 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

Screening for constipation in palliative care patients.

Antonio Noguera1, Carlos Centeno, Silvia Librada

  • 1Hospital Centro de Cuidados Laguna, C/Concejal Fco José Jiménez Martín 128, Madrid, Spain. anoguera@lagunacuida.org

Journal of Palliative Medicine
|September 15, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nearly half of palliative care patients show signs of constipation, highlighting the need for screening using both symptoms and objective signs. Fecal impaction also affects a significant portion of this population.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 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:

  • Palliative Care Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Assessment

Background:

  • Constipation is a common issue in palliative care, impacting patient quality of life.
  • Screening criteria and diagnostic suspicion data for constipation in this population are lacking.
  • Fecal impaction incidence in palliative care patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Establish screening criteria for constipation in palliative care.
  • Determine data for diagnostic suspicion of constipation.
  • Investigate the incidence of fecal impaction in palliative care patients.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive, multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted.
  • Data collected via questionnaires on stool characteristics, constipation symptoms, and discomfort using a verbal numerical scale (VNS).
  • Patients were assessed for signs and symptoms of constipation and fecal impaction within specific timeframes.

Main Results:

  • Almost half of palliative care patients (48%) had suspected constipation based on screening criteria.
  • 13% of patients experienced fewer than three bowel movements per week; 24% reported harder stools.
  • 20% of patients reported fecal impaction in the last 3 months; VNS showed moderate predictive values.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation screening in palliative care necessitates evaluation of both subjective symptoms and objective signs.
  • Suspected constipation is prevalent, affecting nearly half of the studied palliative care population.
  • A verbal numerical scale (VNS) did not demonstrate strong predictive value for detecting constipation in this sample.