$Unique_ID{BRK01374}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Surgery for Constipation}
$Subject{digestion constipation surgery}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Surgery for Constipation


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QUESTION:  I have been bothered with chronic constipation for most of my life,
but nothing like a long time friend.  He has been to just about every doctor
in town, and is now being told that perhaps surgery is the only way out for
him.  I am afraid he has fallen into the wrong hands and want to know if there
is ever any indication for surgery in someone who suffers from constipation?
Please help us.

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ANSWER:  Constipation is a most common problem, and results in an estimated
2.5 million visits to the doctor's office each year.  And that doesn't take
into account all the people who are treating themselves with over the counter
laxative preparations that may cost as much as $400 million each year.  It may
affect people of all ages, although it is seen much more frequently in people
over the age of 65 and affects women from two to three times more often than
men.  Because constipation is a symptom rather than a disease in and of
itself, it must be carefully evaluated before medications and treatment can be
properly recommended.  The list of possible causes for constipation is a long
one indeed, and includes drug effects, resulting from diuretics,
antidepressants, and even over use of antacids.  Diseases of the nervous
system such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis as well as metabolic
disease like diabetes can be the at the root of the problem.  Of course diet
plays an important role, and insufficient fiber in the diet may be the
predisposing cause.  The tests to determine the origin of the problem are
therefore numerous and include barium enema and proctosigmoidoscopy, both of
which help the physician to evaluate the condition.  A test called the
"colorectal transit study" helps determine if the waste products move through
the bowel in the proper manner and time.  For this test the patient swallows
material or "markers" which are easily seen on x-ray, as many as twenty
markers being used during the course of a study, and abdominal x-rays are
taken each day, for as many as 7 days or until all the markers have been
passed.  Surgical treatment may be considered for selected patients in which
there is a disabling slow transit time, and where medical treatment has not
been effective.  Such a decision must be made with great caution, as
experience with this type of surgery is still limited, and the results have
been quite variable and inconsistent.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
