Intest Res.  2015 Oct;13(4):297-305. 10.5217/ir.2015.13.4.297.

Recent Updates on the Treatment of Constipation

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea. medcsc@wonkwang.ac.kr

Abstract

The treatment of constipation aims to regulate the frequency and quantity of stool in order to promote successful defecation. Numerous studies on pharmacologic treatments and non-pharmacologic therapies for constipation have attempted to overcome limitations such as temporary and insufficient efficacy. Conventional laxatives have less adverse effects and are inexpensive, but often have limited efficacy. Recently developed enterokinetic agents and intestinal secretagogues have received attention owing to their high efficacies and low incidences of adverse events. Studies on biofeedback and surgical treatment have focused on improving symptoms as well as quality of life for patients with refractory constipation.

Keyword

Constipation; Therapeutics; Prucalopride; Linaclotide

MeSH Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology
Constipation*
Defecation
Humans
Incidence
Laxatives
Quality of Life
Laxatives

Reference

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