The role of endoscopy in the management of constipation

Clinical Yield of Colonoscopy in Evaluation of Young Women with Constipation: An Age- and Gender-Based Analysis

Background: Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints among women, with a variety of contributing factors. We aimed to assess the role of colonoscopy in evaluating young women with constipation. Methods: A multi-center, large cohort, retrospective study included all data from colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2023 in seven endoscopy departments. The indications and findings of the procedures were collected, and findings of young women aged ≤40 y with constipation as an indication were compared to older women and men of the same age groups. Results: The cohort comprised 377,795 patients, including 198,629 (52.6%) females and 179,166 (47.4%) males. In total, 7872 females underwent colonoscopy for constipation and other indications (Cohort 1). In addition, 6852 women were referred for a colonoscopy for constipation only (Cohort 2). In sum, 75% of colonoscopies in women <40 y were normal in both cohorts. In Cohort 1, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) were significantly higher in women <40 y with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) (1.2%) and Crohn's disease (CD) (0.7%), p < 0.001). The rate of IBD was lower but still significant in Cohort 2. In both cohorts, diverticulosis and polyp rates exponentially increased with age >40 y, p < 0.001. Higher rates of diverticulosis and polyps were found among males <40 y in Cohort 1. One case (0.1%) of Colorectal cancer (CRC) was found in <40 y women. Similar IBD and CRC rates were found in males and females of all ages, p > 0.05. Conclusions: The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for investigating isolated constipation in young females is not significant. Diagnostic work-up should be guided by accurate clinical understanding.

The Yield of Colonoscopy in the Evaluation of Constipation: An Age-Based Analysis of Outcome

Background: Chronic constipation, a prevalent gastrointestinal complaint, exhibits rising incidence and diverse clinical implications, especially among the aging population. This study aims to assess colonoscopy performance in chronic constipation across age groups, comprehensively evaluating diagnostic yield and comparing results with average-risk controls. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50,578 colonoscopy procedures performed over 12 years, including 5478 constipated patients. An average-risk control group (n = 4100) was included. Data extracted from electronic medical records covered demographics, operational aspects, and colonoscopy findings. The primary outcome measures included the diagnosis rate of colorectal cancer (CRC), polyp detection rate (PDR), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnoses in constipated patients versus controls, with age-based and multivariate analyses. Results: Constipated patients exhibiting lower rates of adequate bowel preparation (92.7% vs. 85.3%; p < 0.001) and a lower cecal intubation rate. No significant variances between CRC and PDR were observed between constipated and controls, except for a potential of a slightly elevated CRC risk in constipated patients older than 80 (2.50% vs. 0% in controls; p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated, across all age groups, that constipation did not confer an increased risk for CRC or polyp detection. Younger constipated patients exhibited a higher rate of IBD diagnoses (1.7% vs. 0.1% in controls; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Constipation did not confer an increased risk for CRC or polyps, among any age groups, except for a potential signal of elevated CRC risk in patients older than 80; additionally, it was associated with higher rates of IBD in younger patients.

Colonoscopy in the young: An indication-based analysis of outcome

BACKGROUND

Data on colonoscopy's diagnostic yield in young adults with lower gastrointestinal symptoms are scarce. We evaluated this yield in young patients by performing an indication-based analysis of outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed diagnostic colonoscopies performed in young adults (age <50 years) over 10 years. We created two groups of young adults (18-39 years, n = 4941) and quadragenarians (40-49 years; n = 6605), included a control group of average-risk patients referred for screening colonoscopies during the same period (50-60 years, n = 1453). We evaluated clinical indications for colonoscopies among the young and performed an indication-based analysis of patients' outcomes.

RESULTS

Chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain (42.4 and 36.2%), rectal bleeding (19.8 and 18.4%), and constipation were major indications for colonoscopy performance in quadragenarian and younger patients, respectively. Overall, diverticulosis (8.7 vs 1.3 and 3.9%; p1,2 < 0.000) and polyp detection rates (PDR) (19.6 vs 6.1 and 12.1; p1,2 < 0.000) were significantly higher in the control group, while inflammatory bowel disease (10.9 and 3.6% vs 0.1%; p1,2 < 0.000) was more prevalent in both young patients' groups. Indication-based analysis revealed that rectal bleeding was linked with increased PDR and significantly and independently associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) development (odds ratio = 10.160. p < 0.001 and 95% confidence interval = 6.201-16.647), even in the younger patients. In contrast, performing a colonoscopy for the evaluation of constipation was associated with the lowest yield.

CONCLUSION

We outlined the expected diagnostic yields of colonoscopy performed in young patients for multiple indications, showing that rectal bleeding was consistently associated with CRC and polyp detection.

Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders: What Role Does Endoscopy Play?

Although pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility (PNGM) disorders are prevalent, often debilitating, and remain challenging to diagnose and treat, this field has made remarkable progress in the last decade. Diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy emerged as a valuable tool in the management of PNGM disorders. Novel modalities such as functional lumen imaging probe, per-oral endoscopic myotomy, gastric-POEM, and electrocautery incisional therapy have changed the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of PNGM. In this review, the authors highlight the emerging role of therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy in esophageal, gastric, small bowel, colonic, and anorectal disorders and disorders of gut and brain axis interaction.

Dyssynergic Defecation: A Comprehensive Review on Diagnosis and Management

About one-third of chronically constipated patients have an evacuation disorder, and dyssynergic defecation is a common cause of the evacuation disorder. In dyssynergic defecation, the coordination between abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during defecation is disrupted and patients cannot produce a normal bowel movement. The etiology of dyssynergic defecation is still unknown. Although a detailed history taking and a careful examination including digital rectal examination could be useful, other modalities such as anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test are necessary for the diagnosis. Biofeedback therapy is one of the most effective and safe treatments. Here, we provide an overview of dyssynergic defecation as well as how to diagnose and manage this condition.

Analysis of the impact on efficacy of lubiprostone dose reduction to manage adverse events in the treatment of chronic constipation in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes between two doses of lubiprostone in patients with chronic constipation (CC), to assess whether dose reduction affects efficacy.

METHODS

This open-label exploratory study involved 146 patients with CC treated initially with lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily for a planned duration of 4 weeks. Patients who experienced adverse events (AEs) had their dose reduced to 12 mcg twice daily (for 4 weeks).

RESULTS

Lubiprostone dose was unchanged in 104 patients and reduced due to AEs in 42 patients. Significant differences in the mean number of bowel movements per week favored the dose-reduced group at Week 1 and end of follow-up. No between-group differences were observed over time for mean number of days per week with bowel movements or mean Bristol Stool Form Scale scores. Symptoms of abdominal bloating, strained defecation, and sensation of incomplete evacuation improved in both groups. Before dose reduction, nausea was reported by 64.3% and diarrhea by 45.2% of patients in the dose-reduced group; after dose reduction, no patients reported nausea and one patient reported diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Dose reduction of lubiprostone reduced the incidence of AEs, with no compromise to efficacy, and may be a suitable approach for patients who develop AEs during treatment.

Clinical Evaluation of a Patient With Symptoms of Colonic or Anorectal Motility Disorders

Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, and anorectal pain are problems that affect 40% of the population. They commonly present with overlapping symptoms indicating that their pathophysiology affects multiple segments of the gut as well as brain and gut interactions. Clinically, although some conditions are readily recognized, dyssynergic defecation, fecal incontinence, and anorectal pain are often missed or misdiagnosed. Consequently, the assessment of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with suspected colonic or anorectal motility disorder(s) remains challenging for most clinicians. A detailed history, use of the Bristol stool form scale, prospective stool diaries, ideally through a phone App, digital rectal examination, and judicious use of complementary diagnostic tests are essential. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the impact of these problems on quality of life and psychosocial issues, because they are intricately linked with these disorders. The Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders can provide additional information often missed during history taking. Here, we discuss a systematic approach for the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected lower gastrointestinal problems, grouped under 4 common diagnostic categories. We describe how to take a detailed history, perform meticulous digital rectal examination, and use validated tools to supplement clinical evaluation, including assessments of quality of life and scoring systems for disease severity and digital Apps. These tools could facilitate a comprehensive plan for clinical management including diagnostic tests, and translate the patients' complaints into definable, diagnostic categories.

Chronic Constipation in the United States: Results From a Population-Based Survey Assessing Healthcare Seeking and Use of Pharmacotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is characterized by unsatisfactory defecation and difficult or infrequent stools. CIC affects 9%-20% of adults in the United States, and although prevalent, gaps in knowledge remain regarding CIC healthcare seeking and medication use in the community. We recruited a population-based sample to determine the prevalence and predictors of (i) individuals having discussed their constipation symptoms with a healthcare provider and (ii) the use of constipation therapies.

METHODS

We recruited a representative sample of Americans aged 18 years or older who had experienced constipation. Those who met the Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome and opioid-induced constipation were excluded. The survey included questions on constipation severity, healthcare seeking, and the use of constipation medications. We used multivariable regression methods to adjust for confounders.

RESULTS

Overall, 4,702 participants had experienced constipation (24.0% met the Rome IV CIC criteria). Among all respondents with previous constipation, 37.6% discussed their symptoms with a clinician (primary care provider 87.6%, gastroenterologist 26.0%, and urgent care/emergency room physician 7.7%). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, employment status, having a source of usual care, insurance status, comorbidities, locus of control, and constipation severity were associated with seeking care (P < 0.05). Overall, 47.8% of respondents were taking medication to manage their constipation: over-the-counter medication(s) only, 93.5%; prescription medication(s) only, 1.3%; and both over-the-counter medication(s) and prescription medication(s), 5.2%.

DISCUSSION

We found that 3 of 5 Americans with constipation have never discussed their symptoms with a healthcare provider. Furthermore, the use of prescription medications for managing constipation symptoms is low because individuals mainly rely on over-the-counter therapies.

Undisclosed payments by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to authors of endoscopy guidelines in the United States

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to authors of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) may influence practice recommendations. It is therefore important to evaluate the completeness of financial conflict of interest (FCOI) declarations among CPG authors.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of industry payments to authors of endoscopy guidelines published by 5 GI societies between 2014 and 2017. For each author we identified payments using the disclosure section of CPGs and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments (CMS-OP) database. We calculated the prevalence, monetary value, and type of declared and undeclared payments among authors. Payments were assessed for the calendar year of and before publication.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven CPGs were included in the analysis comprising 569 author entries (91 unique individuals; 66.43% men, 92.6% physicians, 66.4% academically affiliated). Four hundred fifty-one episodes (79%) involved FCOIs, 451 (79%) had undisclosed FCOIs in the CMS-OP, and 445 (77%) had FCOIs relevant to a CPG recommendation. The median undisclosed payment value was $4807.26 (interquartile range, $334.84-$20,579.75). Male authors (odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-3.39) and academically affiliated authors (odds ratio, 8.87; 95% confidence interval, 5.57-14.13) were significantly more likely to have undeclared payments (P < .001). No CPGs met all National Academy of Medicine criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognizing concerns about the accuracy of the CMS-OP, there are substantial discrepancies between industry-reported payments and author self-disclosure. Additionally, there is a high prevalence of undisclosed payments by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to these authors. Given the potential impact of these discrepancies and undisclosed payments on CPGs, more accurate reporting and alternative strategies for managing FCOI are needed.

A Comparison of Bowel Preparations for Colonoscopy in Constipated Adults

Clinical practice shows that patients with constipation are more likely to have a poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Consequences of poor bowel preparation include missed lesions, increased complication rates, and higher costs. Research on preparing constipated patients for colonoscopy with Food and Drug Administration-approved medications is scarce. This study included 372 patients and compared the effectiveness of high-volume (4 L) polyethylene glycol solution (GoLYTELY) with low-volume (2 L) polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbate (MoviPrep) in constipated and nonconstipated adults. Patients were considered constipated if constipation was recently documented in their medical history, they self-reported constipation, and/or they met Rome III criteria for constipation. Quality of bowel preparation was rated with the Aronchick scale. Of the 372 patients enrolled, 65 (17.5%) were constipated. Among those with constipation, 26.1% (n = 17) had a bowel preparation rated fair or poor. There was no statistically significant difference in quality of bowel preparation between GoLYTELY and MoviPrep in chronically constipated adults (p = .27). This study concluded that patients with constipation were more likely than nonconstipated patients to have poor bowel preparation, and there was no statistically significant difference between GoLYTELY and MoviPrep. Further study is needed to determine an adequate preparation regimen.

Chronic Constipation: a Review of Current Literature

Chronic constipation is a common health condition representing a substantial proportion of primary care visits and referrals to specialist providers. Chronic constipation can have a significant negative effect on health-related quality of life and has been associated with psychological distress in severely affected patients. It has the potential to cause patients to curtail work, school, and social activities. While different pathophysiological mechanisms have been implicated in the development of chronic constipation, in some instances, the causes of chronic constipation are not easily determined. Expenditures for the evaluation and management of chronic constipation represent a significant burden on patients and payers, and it is important for clinicians to have a clear understanding of the different pathophysiological mechanisms associated with constipation, understand the different testing modalities and treatments that are available including their appropriateness and limitations, and tailor that knowledge to the management of individual patients.