When Policy Topic is covered Biofeedback for constipation in adults may be considered medically necessary for patients with dyssynergia-type constipation as demonstrated by meeting all 3 of the following criteria: 1. Symptoms of functional constipation that meet ROME III criteria (see Policy Guidelines). 2. Objective physiologic evidence of pelvic floor dyssynergia (see Policy Guidelines) demon...

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal motility disorder that is often chronic, negatively affects patients' daily lives, and is associated with high healthcare costs. There is a considerable range of treatment modalities available for patients with constipation; however, the clinical evidence supporting their use varies widely. Nonpharmacologic modalities, such as increased exercise or flui...

Constipation is a common occurrence on geriatric in-patient wards. It can result in delirium and other complications including bowel obstruction. Over treatment with laxatives can result in iatrogenic diahorrea, which can lead to dehydration, delirium, and the false positive labeling and unnecessary treatment of clostridium difficile carriers. This can result in increased morbidity and mortalit...

Buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone fixed combinations are effective for managing patients with opioid dependence, but constipation is one of the most common side effects. Evidence indicates that the rate of constipation is lower when patients are switched from sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone tablets or films to a bilayered bioerodible mucoadhesive buccal film formulation, and while the ...

OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of constipation and its causative factors in 3 different populations, namely, the hospitalized patients admitted at Civil Hospital Karachi, their attendants and medical students. METHOD A sample size of 200 was divided into 3 groups: hospitalized patients, their attendants and medical students. Frequency of constipation was expected to be greater in patients,...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic constipation on children's quality of life. METHODS From October 2002 to November 2003, 224 children (140 male, 84 female, aged 10.6 +/- 2.9 years) and 224 parents were evaluated by a health related quality of life tool during initial outpatient consultation. Children with constipation (n = 80) were compared with c...

INTRODUCTION Chronic constipation is significantly more prevalent in women than men in Singapore. We carried out a survey to study patient demographics, symptom prevalence, healthcare-seeking behavior, and patient satisfaction with available treatment options in women with chronic constipation. METHODS Responses were collected predominantly via a web-based survey from a panel representative o...

OBJECTIVE Recent evidence suggests that autistic children may have significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Although constipation occurs in 2% to 5% of healthy children, its clinical diagnosis is often difficult in children with behavioral disorders. We thus aimed to assess the prevalence of fecal loading in autistic children with gastrointestinal symptoms and to identify possible predictors of c...

Chronic constipation is highly prevalent, reduces patients' quality of life, and imposes a significant health care burden on society. Lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter agents improve symptoms of constipation in some patients, however many patients have persistent symptoms and require the use of prescription medications. Three prescription medications are currently Food and Drug Admin...

Chronic constipation, an ancient disease, is prevalent, and costly in the general population. Complementary and alternative therapies are frequently used for constipation. This review introduces various methods of complementary and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and herbal medicine. Efficacy, safety, influence factors, sham control design, and mechanisms of ...