Chronic Constipation

Treatment

The treatment selected depend on the cause of the constipation. If there is an underlying condition, constipation will often improve when the underlying disorder is treated. If the cause is found to be a colonic motility problem or a pelvic floor disorder, the following options are available for treatment.

Medications

For some cases of chronic constipation, physicians may suggest laxatives, suppositories, enemas or a combination. Mayo Clinic researchers are continually investigating new medications to treat constipation. Patients at Mayo Clinic have access to appropriate trials for newly developed medications.

Behavior and Pain Management

Patients with chronic constipation may benefit from evaluation and therapy for stress and other psychosocial factors. Specialists at Mayo Clinic provide this therapy for patients.

Surgery

Less than one percent of patients with constipation require surgical removal of the colon. Mayo Clinic surgeons use stitches that do not need to be removed. This means that patients can return home as soon as they are discharged from the hospital.

Subtotal Colectomy (Total Abdominal Colectomy)

In this operation, the diseased colon can be removed with a regular incision or with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical techniques. At Mayo Clinic, the laparoscopic procedure is preferred because it makes a smaller incision and results in a shorter recovery time. Board-certified colorectal surgeons connect the small intestine to the rectum (the last part of the colon, above the anus). This helps food move through the system more quickly. The surgery does not cause loss of stool control because the anal sphincter remains intact. Following surgery, patients can expect to have from one to four bowel movements each day. Patients with normal pelvic floor function are the best candidates for this operation.