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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

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Updated: Jun 3, 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 in adults.

Stefan A Mueller-Lissner1, Arnold Wald

  • 1Park-Klinik Weissensee Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|March 23, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review evaluates various interventions for chronic constipation, including lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments. It synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness and safety of numerous treatments for idiopathic constipation.

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 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
  • Pharmacology
  • Evidence-based Medicine

Background:

  • Constipation diagnosis can be subjective, deviating from rigid criteria.
  • Constipation is a common condition, evidenced by millions of laxative prescriptions annually.
  • Understanding effective treatments for idiopathic chronic constipation is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of non-drug interventions, bulk-forming laxatives, faecal softeners, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, prostaglandin derivatives, and 5-HT4 agonists in adults with idiopathic chronic constipation.
  • To assess the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of interventions for chronic constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic literature review up to October 2009, searching major databases.
  • Included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
  • Incorporated safety alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA.

Main Results:

  • Identified 51 relevant systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies.
  • Performed a GRADE evaluation to assess the quality of evidence for each intervention.
  • Compiled data on the effectiveness and safety of numerous treatments.

Conclusions:

  • The review presents information on the effectiveness and safety of diverse interventions.
  • Interventions reviewed include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and various pharmacological agents.
  • The findings provide a comprehensive overview for managing idiopathic chronic constipation.