Korean J Gastroenterol.  2011 Feb;57(2):100-114. 10.4166/kjg.2011.57.2.100.

Guidelines for the Treatment of Constipation

• Park MI
• Shin JE
• Myung SJ
• Huh KC
• Choi CH
• Jung SA
• Choi SC
• Sohn CI
• Choi MG
• The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

• KMID: 1775840
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2011.57.2.100

Abstract

While constipation is a common symptom in Korea, there are no existing treatment guidelines. Although constipation may occur as a result of organic cause, there is no obstructive mucosal or structural cause in the vast majority of patients with constipation. The present paper deals with only the management of functional constipation: lifestyle changes; bulking agents and stool softeners; osmotic agents; stimulant laxatives; prokinetics; biofeedback and surgical treatments. Exercise and dietary fiber are helpful in some patients with constipation. Laxatives including bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents, and stimulant laxatives have been found to be more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of constipation. New enterokinetic agents that affect peristalsis through selective interaction with 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptors can be effective in patients with constipation who cannot get adequate relief from current laxatives. Biofeedback can relieve symptoms in selected patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatments can be helpful in some patients with refractory constipation.

Keyword

Constipation; Treatment; Guideline

MeSH Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology
Cathartics/therapeutic use
Constipation/surgery/*therapy
Dietary Fiber/therapeutic use
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Exercise Therapy
Health Behavior
Humans
Laxatives/therapeutic use
Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
Surface-Active Agents/therapeutic use

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flow chart for searching strategy.

Reference

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