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Related Experiment Videos

Constipation in the elderly. A physiologic study.

J S Varma1, J Bradnock, R G Smith

  • 1University Department of Surgery/Urology, Western General Hospital, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|February 1, 1988
PubMed
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Chronic constipation in the elderly involves more than just slow transit. Neurogenic deficits in sacral spinal cord function likely cause rectal motor and sensory abnormalities, impacting elderly patients with constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent issue in the elderly population.
  • The underlying mechanisms of constipation in older adults are not fully understood.
  • Previous studies suggest delayed gastrointestinal transit but may overlook other contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate colorectal motility in elderly patients with chronic constipation.
  • To compare rectal and colonic function between constipated elderly individuals and asymptomatic controls.
  • To identify potential neurogenic causes for constipation in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Recruitment of 25 elderly patients with chronic constipation and 17 asymptomatic controls.
  • Performance of proctometrograms to assess rectal sensory threshold, maximal tolerance, and compliance.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Measurement of anal sphincter pressures and reflexes, including the pudendoanal reflex.
  • Assessment of colonic motility and total gastrointestinal transit times.

    • Main Results:

    • Elderly constipated patients exhibited impaired rectal sensory thresholds and reduced maximal rectal volumes and compliance.
    • A subset of patients with impaction showed functional megarectums.
    • Prolonged gastrointestinal transit times were observed, primarily due to rectal stasis.
    • Abnormalities in the pudendoanal reflex were noted in a significant portion of the constipated group.

    Conclusions:

    • Constipation in the elderly is multifactorial, involving impaired rectal sensory and motor functions.
    • Neurogenic deficits affecting sacral spinal cord function may underlie these rectal abnormalities.
    • These findings suggest a neurogenic component contributing to chronic constipation in older adults.