Approach to Chronic Pelvic Pain for the Colorectal Surgeon
Connor Foote1, Rebecca Hoffman2
1Geisinger Wyoming Valley Department of General Surgery, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|August 11, 2026
Summary
A colectomy resolved chronic constipation in a patient with colonic inertia. However, persistent lower abdominal pain remained a debilitating issue post-surgery, impacting her quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Abdominal Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic constipation and gastroparesis significantly impact patient quality of life.
- Colonic inertia is a motility disorder characterized by slow transit through the colon.
- Persistent abdominal pain can be a challenging symptom in patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a patient with colonic inertia undergoing total abdominal colectomy.
- To evaluate the surgical outcome regarding constipation and persistent abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- A 35-year-old female with chronic constipation, gastroparesis, lower abdominal pain, and anxiety was diagnosed with colonic inertia.
- The patient underwent a total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis.
Main Results:
- Initial postoperative period showed resolution of constipation.
- The patient continued to experience significant, debilitating lower abdominal pain post-surgery.
- The persistent pain affected her ability to work at full capacity.
Conclusions:
- Total abdominal colectomy can effectively treat constipation in colonic inertia.
- Persistent lower abdominal pain remains a significant challenge after colectomy for colonic inertia.
- Further investigation and management strategies are needed for refractory abdominal pain in these patients.
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