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Constipation is a common problem in the general population,
affecting women more often than men by a factor of
about eight to one. Patients can be categorized into
two groups.
One group consists of those patients who never feel
the urge to defecate and cannot more their bowels
without the aid of medications. This condition is
called colonic inertia, and its cause in unknown.
The other group has obstructed defecation caused
by dysfunctional pelvic floor anatomy or muscles.
Although the urge to defecate is there, patients simply
cannot expel stool. Frequently, they must insert their
fingers rectally or vaginally to facilitate defecation.
Assessment of patients includes calculation of colonic
transit time through the use of x-rays and evaluation
of pelvic floor function with defecography. Treatment
is variable and is based on the underlying cause.
Marc I. Brand,
M.D. and Theodore
J. Saclarides, M.D. are experienced in the diagnosis
and treatment of both conditions.
If you would like to be evaluated for chronic constipation,
or for more information, you may contact our office
at:
University Surgeons
At Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center
1725 W. Harrison, Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60612
312-942-6500
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