[Pathophysiology of slow transit constipation]

Slow transit constipation(STC)is the common type of chronic idiopathic constipation. Due to failure of routine conservative treatment, laxatives abuse is the most choice for majority of the patients, which could damage the enteric nervous system and result in aggravation of constipation. Resection of the slow transit colon is the ultimate option for some patients. It is hard to prevent and treat STC clinically because of the unknown pathophysiologic mechanism. Abnormalities of enteric neurotransmitters such as VIP, SP, NOS and decreased number of interstitial cells of Cajal have been described in the colon of the patients with STC. However, long term application of stimulant laxatives can also result in the almost same changes in the colon. Exploration of the potential relationship among the above reported abnormalities is the direction of future study.