Gastrointestinal motility in constipation

This study included ten subjects with normal intestinal habits and 25 with constipation. Data were collected from X-rays of gastrointestinal transit times and from intraluminal pressures in the sigmoid and rectum using electromanometry. A comparison of the results led to the following conclusions: a) transit times to the cecum were essentially similar in both the control group and patients with constipation; b) the barium contrast arrived faster in the proximal sigmoid of patients with constipation compared to the control group; c) the mean of the total time of gastrointestinal emptying was slower in constipation; d) under unstimulated conditions, the electromanometry study of the sigmoid and rectum showed a higher motility index in constipation than in the control group; e) the high values of the percent activity was the most important element in the elevation of the motility index in constipation; f) the propulsion and retention activities of the colon were higher in constipation than in normals, as was demonstrated by radiologic and electromanometric studies.