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A practical approach to diagnosis and management of functional constipation in adults

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Abstract

Chronic constipation is a frequently complained condition in clinical practice and may be primary (idiopathic) or due to secondary causes. The definition of the various forms of constipation is presently made according to the Rome III criteria, which recently incorporated also specific diagnostic algorithms. The diagnosis of constipation relies on the patient’s history, including use of drugs, physical examination, and specific investigations (transit time, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography). These will often be useful to start a targeted therapeutic schedule that may include fibres, laxatives, biofeedback training and, in extreme cases, a surgical approach. This review will analyse the clinical and diagnostic aspects of chronic constipation in adult patients, with emphasis on recent therapeutic approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Gabrio Bassotti

  2. Pathology Section, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy

    Vincenzo Villanacci

  3. Clinica di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Piazzale Menghini, 1 06156, San Sisto (Perugia), Italy

    Gabrio Bassotti

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  1. Gabrio Bassotti
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  2. Vincenzo Villanacci
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Correspondence to Gabrio Bassotti.

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Bassotti, G., Villanacci, V. A practical approach to diagnosis and management of functional constipation in adults. Intern Emerg Med 8, 275–282 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-011-0698-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-011-0698-0

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