Postprandial Colonic Motor Activity in Chronic Constipation

Lee, Mun Woo; Lee, Jeong A; Jeong, Seong Han; Choi, Won Jun; Kim, Jin A; Che, Hee Bok; Park, Seon Mee; Youn, Sei Jin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to know the postprandial motor response in different segments of colon in patients group with constipation and in healthy subjects group.
METHODS
The intraluminal pressure activity was measured with a colonoscopically positioned multilumen manometric catheter. Recordings were obtained for 2 hours of fasting and for 3 hours after a standard mixed meal (588.2 Cal). The change of colonic motility index (MI) was presented as percentage increase over the basal period (30 min) in response to meal.
RESULTS
In transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon, the percentage changes of basal MI for the first 30 min after meal in healthy subjects were 87.0+/-32.5 (mean+/-1SE), 82.3+/-6.9, and 306.0+/-102.6%, respectively. That is, there was a significant increase in MI of healthy subjects. In addition, the percentage changes of basal MI for the first 30 minute after meal in patients with constipation were 29.5+/-14.6, 31.9+/-15.7, and 15.0+/-7.7%, respectively. They were not increased significantly. The mean velocity of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs) in healthy subjects and patients was 1.0+/-0.1 and 0.6+/-0.2 cm/sec, respectively. Onset of HAPCs after meal was 78.8+/-6.8 and 92.6+/-26.2 min, respectively. However, the mean amplitude of HAPCs in healthy subjects and patients was 146.1+/-6.3 and 98.0+/-8.4 mmHg, respectively. Two groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the difference of postprandial intraluminal pressure and HAPCs play a role in the pathophysiology of constipation.