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Obstructed Defecation

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Abstract

Obstructed defecation syndrome is a common, well-defined type of functional constipation. It is characterized by excessive straining at stool, incomplete rectal evacuation, and need for perineal splinting. It is often identified in association with various manifestations of pelvic organ prolapse. Symptoms of obstructed defecation are primarily treated non-operatively with dietary fiber and hydration, modest exercise, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Traditional surgical approaches for pelvic organ prolapse have proven relatively ineffective at managing obstructed defecation. New surgical approaches such as ventral mesh rectopexy, stapled transanal rectal resection, and sacral nerve stimulation may ultimately prove to be more effective at relief of the symptoms of obstructed defecation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sacred Heart Hospital, 105 W. 8th Ave, Ste 7010, Spokane, WA, 99204, USA

    M. Shane McNevin MD, FASCRS

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  1. M. Shane McNevin MD, FASCRS
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Correspondence to M. Shane McNevin MD, FASCRS .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Scott R. Steele

  2. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Tracy L. Hull

  3. Tufts University School of Medicine, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA

    Thomas E. Read

  4. Ambrose and Gladys Bowyer, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Theodore J. Saclarides

  5. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA

    Anthony J. Senagore

  6. Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Charles B. Whitlow

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McNevin, M.S. (2016). Obstructed Defecation. In: Steele, S.R., Hull, T.L., Read, T.E., Saclarides, T.J., Senagore, A.J., Whitlow, C.B. (eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_59

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