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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,...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data01:17

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
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...
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...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern01:29

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 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

The evaluation of constipation.

Matthew D Vrees1, Eric G Weiss

  • 1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33326, USA.

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation affects millions, with subtypes including slow transit and obstructive defecation. Comprehensive evaluation using methods like colonic transit studies and defecography is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Keywords:
Constipationcolonic transit studydefecographymanometryphysiologic testing

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 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
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in the US, impacting 2-28% of the population.
  • Patient perceptions of constipation vary, often overlapping with other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
  • The Rome II criteria, established in 1999, provide standardized diagnostic guidelines for constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline diagnostic approaches for functional constipation.
  • To differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructive defecation.
  • To emphasize the importance of ruling out organic causes before diagnosing functional constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Initial assessment includes a thorough patient history and physical examination.
  • Diagnosis of slow transit constipation involves colonic transit studies (e.g., single-capsule technique, scintigraphy).
  • Evaluation of obstructive defecation may utilize anorectal manometry, defecography, and electromyography.

Main Results:

  • Functional constipation is categorized into slow transit constipation and obstructive defecation.
  • Lifestyle and dietary modifications are recommended as initial management strategies.
  • Accurate differentiation of subtypes is challenging from history alone, necessitating objective testing.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive evaluation for both slow transit and obstructive defecation is essential, especially prior to surgical intervention.
  • Diagnostic testing should be tailored to institutional capabilities and patient-specific needs.
  • Understanding the specific diagnostic techniques for each subtype ensures optimal patient care.