Constipation

What Is Constipation?
Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be properly eliminated through the rectum. It can involve sluggish movement of the colon or problems with the anal sphincter muscles, which sometimes fail to relax appropriately during bowel movements.

Causes
Constipation can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Changes in diet or exercise
• Excessive consumption of dairy products
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Insufficient water intake
• Low-fiber diet
• Prescription medications
• Stress
• Colon or rectal cancer

Symptoms
Bowel movement frequency varies from person to person, but more than three days between bowel movements is generally considered too long. Common signs of constipation include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Straining during bowel movements
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Feeling that the rectum has not fully emptied

When constipation lasts for more than three months, it may be considered chronic and should be evaluated by a physician.

Diagnosis
It is important to note that gastroenterologists are the first line of treatment for constipation. Your gastroenterologist may use a combination of exams and tests to determine the cause of chronic constipation such as, digital rectal exam, blood tests, x-ray, colonoscopy, defecography, colonic transit study (SITZ marker test), and anorectal manometry.

Treatment
Treatment begins with lifestyle modifications to improve bowel function:

• Eat a fiber-rich, well-balanced diet
• Drink adequate water
• Engage in regular physical activity

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, additional treatments prescribed by us or your gastroenterologist may include, biofeedback, laxatives, prescription medicines, pelvic floor therapy. Rarely, constipation related symptoms require surgical intervention. Typically this is considered when a blockage or structural issue is causing chronic constipation.

If surgery becomes the best treatment option, your gastroenterologist will refer you to our talented surgeons at Colorectal Surgery Associates.

Our surgeons often use minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or Da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgery, which allow for greater precision, faster recovery, reduced pain, and fewer complications.

With proper evaluation and treatment, constipation can often be managed effectively, improving comfort and overall digestive health.