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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 Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
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...
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...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...

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Related Experiment Videos

Rectal sensorimotor dysfunction in constipation.

S M Scott1, M M van den Berg, M A Benninga

  • 1Academic Surgical Unit & Neurogastroenterology Group, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, United Kingdom. m.scott@qmul.ac.u

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 9, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding rectal sensorimotor function is key to unraveling chronic constipation. This review details how rectal sensation, motility, and biomechanics impact constipation in adults and children.

Related Experiment Videos

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation pathophysiology is not fully understood.
  • Rectal sensorimotor function (sensation, motility, biomechanics) is increasingly implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of rectal sensorimotor function in constipation.
  • To explore its role in adult and pediatric populations.
  • To discuss measurement and therapeutic implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of contemporary research.
  • Analysis of studies on rectal sensorimotor domains (sensory, motor, biomechanical).

Main Results:

  • Constipation is associated with rectal hyposensitivity, hypercompliance, and motor dysfunction.
  • Pelvic floor dyssynergia often co-exists with these rectal abnormalities.
  • Sensorimotor dysfunction impacts therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal sensorimotor dysfunction is a significant contributor to chronic constipation.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate complex interactions and optimize management.