Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Mechanisms of idiopathic constipation: outlet obstruction
Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Anorectal myectomy significantly improved colonic motility and stool frequency in patients with chronic constipation. This surgical intervention offers a viable solution for specific types of constipation unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Ineffective colonic motility is a common cause of chronic constipation.
- Idiopathic constipation can stem from colonic inertia or anorectal outlet obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of anorectal myectomy in patients with symptoms attributed to ineffective colonic motility.
- To assess the impact of anorectal myectomy on stool frequency, colonic transit, and overall symptom relief.
Main Methods:
- Anorectal myectomy was performed in 62 patients meeting specific criteria.
- Indications included reduced stool frequency, prolonged radioopaque marker transit, and abnormal anorectal manometry.
Main Results:
- In 50 patients with <3 stools/week, average frequency increased from 1.2 to 4.2 (P<0.001).
- 12 patients with >3 stools/week experienced complete symptom relief.
- Myectomy accelerated colonic transit in all patients with improved symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Anorectal myectomy is an effective surgical treatment for specific forms of organic constipation.
- The procedure addresses constipation caused by colonic inertia or anorectal obstruction.
- Surgical intervention for constipation is more common than previously recognized.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
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...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:11Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...