Clinical Significance of Colon Transit Time Study in Patients with Chronic Constipation

Seong, Moo Kyung; Joo, Jae Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE: Measurement of colon transit time is well-known physiologic study for patients with chronic constipation. But information we get from it is frequently inconsistent with patient's complaint. This study was designed to ascertain the actual significance of that measurement.
METHODS
The subjects included two groups of patients with chronic constipation. One group consists of 32 patients(group A), The other group 36 patients(group B). Colon transit time study and defecographic examinations were done using previously described methods. But the former study was a little modified in group A, in which sodium phosphate enema was given at the previous day of oral intake of radio-opaque markers. Findings of colon transit time study and their relations to the defecographic results were compared with each other.
RESULTS
As for the 5th day-findings of colon transit time, 6 cases(18.7%) were abnormal in group A and 3 cases(8.4%) in group B(statistically not different). As for the 3rd day-findings, 15 cases(46.9%) were abnormal in group A and 7 cases(19.5%) in group B( statistically different, p=0.0163). Defecographic findings showed 7 cases(21.9%) of outlet obstruction pattern in group A and 9 cases(25%) in group B. Correlations between these findings and those of colonic transit time studies were not proven statistically.
CONCLUSION
Colon transit time study with single marker bolus and the 5th day photography technique was considered not to reflect the actual conditions of patients with chronic constipation. But sodium phophate enema, given to patients before starting the study, seemed to enhance the accuracy of study.