High Prevalence of Slow Transit Constipation in Patients With Gastroparesis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive Motility Disorders
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• Gastrointestinal motility abnormalities in one region may affect others.
• The link between gastroparesis and chronic constipation subtypes is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between gastroparesis and chronic constipation, specifically slow transit constipation and dyssynergic defecation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 206 patients with dyspeptic symptoms and constipation.
• Gastric emptying scintigraphy and anorectal manometry were performed.
• Colonic transit studies and defecography were analyzed when available.

Main Results:

• Gastroparesis patients showed a higher prevalence of slow transit constipation (64.7% vs 28.1%) and structural abnormalities like rectocele and intussusception.
• No significant difference in dyssynergic defecation rates or anorectal manometry findings between gastroparesis and normal gastric emptying groups.

Conclusions:

• Gastroparesis is associated with a higher incidence of slow transit constipation.
• Dyssynergic defecation rates were similar in patients with and without gastroparesis.
• Consider evaluating colonic transit in gastroparesis patients and vice versa.