Side-to-Side Ileosigmoidostomy Shunting Surgery for the Treatment of Elderly Patients With Chronic Constipation (original) (raw)

Surgery for slow transit constipation: are we helping patients?

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2007

Introduction Long-term outcome after surgery for slow transit constipation is conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess long-term quality of life after surgery. Methods The medical records of all patients undergoing colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis between 1983 and 1998 were evaluated. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative details were recorded. A survey was conducted to evaluate current symptoms and health. Quality of life was assessed using the short-form (SF)-36 survey. Results Sixty-nine (2 male) patients were identified. Five were deceased. Mean age at surgery was 38.6 years (range, 19.7-78.8 years). Median follow-up after surgery was 10.8 years (range, 5.1-18.6 years). Forty-one percent had a family history of constipation. Eleven (16%) had an ileus postoperatively, which responded to medical therapy. One patient had a leak that required temporary diversion. Longterm complications occurred in 32 (46%) patients, which included hernias (3 patients; 4%), pelvic abscess (1 patient; 1.5%), rectal pain (1 patient; 1.5%), small-bowel obstruction (14 patients; 20%, with eight requiring surgery), diarrhea (5 patients; 7%), incontinence (1 patient, 1.5%), and persistent constipation (6 patients; 9%). Fifty-five percent (35/64) responded to a questionnaire. Overall, 25 of 35 (77% of the respondents) stated that surgery was beneficial. Sixty-four percent of patients have semisolid stools, 35% have liquid stools, and 4% reported hard stool. Results of the SF-36 showed the physical component score was comparable with healthy individuals. However, the mental component score was low especially in the areas of vitality (median, 45) and social functioning (median, 37). Conclusion Surgery for constipation is not perfect, and preoperative symptoms may persist after surgery. When assessing long-term quality of life, the mental component of the SF-36 was low compared with the general population, and the physical component was similar. Moreover, because 77% report long-term improvement, surgery is beneficial for appropriate patients.

Ileorectal Anastomosis for Slow Transit Constipation: Long-Term Functional and Quality of Life Results

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2006

The results of colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in patients diagnosed by physiologic testing as having slow transit constipation (STC) have been reported. The durability of functional results and longterm quality of life (QoL) in these patients, however, has not been established. Between 1987 and 2002, 3670 patients were evaluated for constipation at our institution; 110 (3%) fulfilled the criteria for STC and underwent an IRA. Patients were prospectively followed and functional outcomes assessed annually by standardized questionnaires. After a median follow-up of 11 years, 104 eligible patients were mailed validated questionnaires to assess functional outcomes and QoL (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom [KESS] score, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life [IBS-QOL], and the SF-12 health survey). Prospectively assessed functional data was available on 85 of 104 (82%) eligible patients. At last followup, improvement of constipation and satisfaction with bowel function was reported by 98% and 85% of patients, respectively. Performance measures including social activity, household work, sexual life, and family relationships were reported to have improved or were not affected as a result of surgery by 75%, 86%, 81%, and 86% of the patients respectively. Fifty-nine patients (57%) responded to the study questionnaires. All 59 patients reported their constipation to be better since IRA, 83% did not require any medication, and 85% reported being satisfied with bowel function. The KESS scores of patients undergoing IRA for STC (median 6, range 0À35) were lower than reported scores of STC patients not operated upon (median 21, range 11À35, P ! 0.001) indicating symptomatic improvement after surgery. Mean IBS-QOL scores were similar to reported scores of patients undergoing IRA for other conditions [80 (23) versus 84 (16)], P 5 0.7). Mean SF-12 physical and mental summary scores were similar to reported SF-12 scores of the normal population (49.5 versus 50 and P 5 0.70, 48.7 versus 50, P 5 0.42, respectively). Ileorectal anastomosis in appropriately selected patients with slow transit constipation results in durable symptomatic relief and a long-term quality of life indistinguishable from the general population. ( J GASTROINTEST SURG 2006;10:1330-1337) Ó

Intractable Constipation in the Elderly

Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 2017

Constipation I Elderly I Bowel training I Laxatives I Linaclotide I Lubiprostone I OIC Opinion statement Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder disproportionately affecting the elderly. Immobility, polypharmacy, and physiologic changes contribute to its increased prevalence in this population. Unidentified and undertreated constipation leads to a significant negative impact on quality of life and an increase in healthcare spending. Careful physical examination and exploration of the clinical history can unmask primary and secondary forms of constipation, guiding diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. Non-pharmacologic treatment options include bowel training and biofeedback as well as the addition of fiber. Laxatives are safe and can be used long term; thus, they remain the mainstay of therapy. Newer agents with specific physiologic targets have proven to be effective in adults with chronic constipation, but data is lacking for safety profile in the elderly. Consideration for surgery in medically refractory cases should be entertained, while use of neuromodulation is not ready for prime time. This is a review of the currently available treatment options for chronic constipation in adults and specifically tailored towards the elderly.

Chronic constipation in the elderly: a primer for the gastroenterologist

BMC Gastroenterology, 2015

Constipation is a frequently reported bowel symptom in the elderly with considerable impact on quality of life and health expenses. Disease-related morbidity and even mortality have been reported in the affected frail elderly. Although constipation is not a physiologic consequence of normal aging, decreased mobility, medications, underlying diseases, and rectal sensory-motor dysfunction may all contribute to its increased prevalence in older adults. In the elderly there is usually more than one etiologic mechanism, requiring a multifactorial treatment approach. The majority of patients would respond to diet and lifestyle modifications reinforced by bowel training measures. In those not responding to conservative treatment, the approach needs to be tailored addressing all comorbid conditions. In the adult population, the management of constipation continues to evolve as well as the understanding of its complex etiology. However, the constipated elderly have been left behind while gastroenterology consultations for this common conditions are at a rise for the worldwide age increment. Aim of this review is to provide an update on epidemiology, quality of life burden, etiology, diagnosis, current approaches and limitations in the management of constipation in the older ones to ease the gastroenterologists' clinic workload.

Colectomy for slow transit constipation: effective for patients with coexistent obstructed defecation

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2013

Background Patient selection is a crucial step when considering total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TAC/IRA) for refractory constipation. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the results of shortand long-term outcomes for patients with pure slow transit constipation (STC) compared to those with slow transit and features of obstructive defecation (STC + OD). Methods This study included all patients who underwent TAC/IRA for constipation from 1999-2010. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (STC) and group B (STC + OD) based on abnormal physiology or motility testing in addition to the surgeon's clinical impression of symptomatic obstructive defecation. Demographics, operative variables, and short-term outcomes were collected by retrospective chart review and were compared between groups. Long-term functional outcomes were assessed by telephone survey. This included: number of bowel movements, use of laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, and surgery satisfaction. Validated questionnaires were collected postoperatively. Results One hundred forty-four patients (143 females; mean age, 40 (18-68) years old) underwent TAC/IRA by either laparoscopic (63 (44 %)) or open (81 (56 %)) techniques. One hundred three patients had pure STC and 41 had STC + OD. Four patients underwent TAC with end ileostomy at first procedure. Seven patients underwent surgery after a trial of diverting ileostomy. One patient died unexpectedly, 2 days after uneventful surgery. Median follow-up was 43 (IQR, 16-75) months. Five (5 %) patients in group A and two (5 %) in group B underwent subsequent ileostomy for poor functional outcomes. Eighty-eight (68 %) patients were available by telephone. Short-and long-term outcomes were equivalent in both groups as well as patient satisfaction (89 vs. 85 %, p00.7). Conclusions Total abdominal colectomy can be offered to selective patients with slow transit constipation and obstructive defecation with equivalent long-term results.

Management of Chronic Constipation in the Elderly

Drugs & Aging, 2008

INTRODUCTION. This review focuses on the approach and treatment of chronic constipation, non-pharmacological and pharmacological, in the elderly. METHODS. Pubmed searches were made for papers published between 2004 and 2009 using the key words of "chronic constipation" and "elderly". Relevant papers were shortlisted for further study. Supplementary searches were made to obtain local statistics, and for references cited in the shortlisted papers. RESULTS. Chronic constipation can be due to primary disease processes ( f unctional bowel disorders), medication induced causes, and secondary causes. In the absence of secondary causes and medication induced causes, lifestyle changes, fibre supplements and simple osmotic laxatives (lactulose, or PEG 3350) are likely to be adequate. Magnesium hydroxide, polycarbophil, methylcellulose, senna, bisacodyl, decusate preparations, bran, colchicine, misoprostol, and lubricants which are given Grade B recommendations by American College of Gastroenterology are alternatives. Enemas, suppositories, and biofeedback exercises have a place in dyssynergic defaecation disorders. Prucolapride and lubiprostone show promise but studies in the elderly are needed. Tagaserod was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer because of cardiovascular adverse effects. Intractable constipation may need surgery. CONCLUSIONS. In the elderly with chronic constipation, history and physical examination to exclude medication induced constipation and secondary causes are the first step. For those with functional bowel disorders, lifestyle alterations, fibre, and osmotic laxatives remain the staple management strategies. For those with pelvic dyssynergia, biofeedback should be considered. Surgery may be needed for those with intractable chronic constipation. SFP2009; 35(3): 84-92

Constipation in Elderly Population and Its Appropriate Management

The Indonesian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Digestive Endoscopy

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder commonly found in the community, especially in the elderly with various comorbidities. This problem culminates with the increasing incidence along with aging, increasing therapeutic cost, and decreasing the quality of life in this population. Some of the underlying causes are the difference in the terminology of constipation, shallow understanding of its pathophysiology, and poor management. The pathophysiology, including slow transit constipation, dyssynergic defecation, and normal transit constipation, is the most critical foundation in managing constipation accordingly. Diagnostic approaches should be made by history taking, including complaints based on Rome III, lifestyle, contributing factors, past medical history, and medications. Physical examination is considered incomplete without rectal examination. Thorough history taking and comprehensive physical examination have more diagnostic value than additional physiological workup. Man...

Surgery for constipation

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 1996

PURPOSE: Constipation is related to intestinal motility disorders (colonic inertia (CD), pelvic floor disturbances (pelvic outlet obstruction), or a combination of both problems. This review summarizes the physiologic and pathophysiologic changes in patients with intractable constipation and gives an overview of surgical treatment options. RESULTS: Although subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the best surgery for CI, there are still approximately 10 percent of patients who will complain of pain and constipation. A completion proctectomy and an ileoanal pouch procedure may be a viable option in a highly select group of patients. In patients with megabowel, reported results are mixed. Subtotal colectomy, partial colectomy for megaco-Ion, and the Duhamel procedure for megarectum have all been reported with variable results. In patients with an isolated distended sigmoid colon, sigmoid colectomy has achieved good results. Anorectal myectomy has not been proven to be successful in the long term. However, in patients with adult short segment Hirschsprung's disease, myectomy can be successful. Patients with pelvic outlet obstruction can be successfully treated with biofeedback. In a small group of patients with a rectocele or a third degree sigmoidocele, surgical intervention yields a high success rate. Division or resection of the puborectalis muscle is not recommended. In patients with a mixed pattern of CI and pelvic outlet obstruction, surgical intervention alone is often not successful. These patients achieve better results by conservative treatment of pelvic outlet obstruction, followed by a colectomy. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for patients with intractable constipation is rarely necessary. However, thorough preoperative physiologic testing is mandatory for a successful outcome.

Constipation in the elderly

American family physician, 1998

Constipation affects as many as 26 percent of elderly men and 34 percent of elderly women and is a problem that has been related to diminished perception of quality of life. Constipation may be the sign of a serious problem such as a mass lesion, the manifestation of a systemic disorder such as hypothyroidism or a side effect of medications such as narcotic analgesics. The patient with constipation should be questioned about fluid and food intake, medications, supplements and homeopathic remedies. The physical examination may reveal local masses or thrombosed hemorrhoids, which may be contributing to the constipation. Visual inspection of the colon is useful when no obvious cause of constipation can be determined. Treatment should address the underlying abnormality. The chronic use of certain treatments, such as laxatives, should be avoided. First-line therapy should include bowel retraining, increased dietary fiber and fluid intake, and exercise when possible. Laxatives, stool soft...