Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

160
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
160
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

205
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
205
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

446
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
446
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

145
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
145
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

207
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
207
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

161
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
161

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Training the Military Surgical Resident for Tomorrow's War: A Military-Unique Curriculum at the Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Military medicine·2026
Same author

Proto-Oncogene HRAS Transcript Level and Overall Survival in Stages II and III Colorectal Cancer.

Cancer medicine·2025
Same author

Video Review Curriculum for Common Laparoscopic General Surgery Cases.

Military medicine·2025
Same author

Condyloma and Anal Dysplasia.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2024
Same author

Use of MEDEVAC Resources in Austere Settings: Paget-Schroetter in the Deployed Environment.

Military medicine·2022
Same author

Entero-Urachal Fistula: An Unusual Initial Presentation of Penetrating and Stricturing Crohn's Disease.

The American surgeon·2021
Same journal

Social Determinants of Health, Health Disparities, and Surgical Equity.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Beyond the Scalpel's Reach.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Stepwise Solutions-Society.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Stepwise Solutions-Hospitals.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Stepwise Solutions for Providers.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Stepwise Solutions-Patients Social Determinants of Health, Health Disparities, and Surgical Equity.

The Surgical clinics of North America·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2025

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

1.8K

Functional Constipation and Obstructed Defecation.

Mary T O'Donnell1, Sarah M Haviland2

  • 1Department of General Surgery Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.

The Surgical Clinics of North America
|April 27, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation involves slow colonic movement or defecation issues, including functional constipation (FC) and obstructed defecation (OD). Differentiating these conditions is key for effective, multidisciplinary treatment strategies.

Keywords:
AnismusFunctional constipationNon-relaxing puborectalisNon-relaxing sphincterObstructed defecationPelvic floor dysfunctionPelvic outlet obstructionSlow transit colonic inertia

More Related Videos

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
04:04

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation

Published on: July 5, 2024

395
Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
06:21

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Published on: May 16, 2025

102

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2025

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

1.8K
Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
04:04

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation

Published on: July 5, 2024

395
Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
06:21

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Published on: May 16, 2025

102

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Pelvic Floor Therapy

Background:

  • Constipation is defined by decreased colonic motility or defecation difficulty.
  • It can manifest as functional constipation (FC), colonic inertia, obstructed defecation (OD), or irritable bowel syndrome-constipation type (IBS-CS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic and management approach for functional constipation and obstructed defecation.
  • To emphasize the importance of differentiating these conditions for targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Exclusion of IBS-constipation type (IBS-C).
  • Multidisciplinary assessment involving various specialists.
  • Clinical differentiation between FC and OD.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis and management of FC and OD necessitate a team approach.
  • Specialists include nutritionists, pelvic floor therapists, urogynecologists, and colorectal surgeons.
  • Accurate differentiation guides therapeutic interventions and prognostication.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of constipation subtypes like FC and OD requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary strategy.
  • Distinguishing between FC and OD is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
  • This approach improves the prognosis for complex defecation disorders.