[Guidelines for the treatment of constipation]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Constipation is a prevalent symptom in Korea, lacking specific clinical management guidelines.
• Most constipation cases are functional, without identifiable organic, obstructive, mucosal, or structural causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline management strategies for functional constipation.
• To review current and emerging treatment options for constipation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of management options for functional constipation.
• Discussion of lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and procedural interventions.

Main Results:

• Lifestyle changes (exercise, fiber) benefit some patients.
• Laxatives (bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic, stimulant) are more effective than placebo.
• Enterokinetic agents and biofeedback show efficacy in specific patient groups.
• Surgical options exist for refractory constipation.

Conclusions:

• A multimodal approach is recommended for functional constipation management.
• Pharmacological and procedural interventions offer effective relief for constipation symptoms.
• Further research into novel agents and tailored treatments is warranted.