Constipation
R S Care
Constipation Treatment
Immediate treatment for constipation is essential as it could become a chronic condition. You can avail the best-in-class treatment for constipation at R S Care, as we are equipped with cutting-edge laser surgery, anorectal specialists, and medical care coordinators at no-cost EMIs.
The term constipation may have a different meaning from person to person. The frequency of a bowel movement varies considerably among people, ranging from 1-3 times/day to once in 3 days. Therefore, it is difficult to have a precise definition for constipation that would stand true for all. Thus, constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. It also means passing stools very infrequently, passing hard stools, or having any kind of difficulty in evacuating the bowel. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Typically lasting for more than several weeks, chronic constipation can cause significant pain and discomfort and affect one’s quality of life.
Treatment of Constipation
MCDPA
M-Medicines: Probiotics are micro-organisms ( bacteria and yeast ) that our beneficial to the health of the gut. It has been found that a decrease in the count of these healthy gut bacteria may be a cause of constipation and hence, a short course of probiotic supplement may be given
C-Constac: Ayurvedic medicines can be wisely used to treat conditions like constipation, sans the side effects that Allopathic medicines often have. Extensive research from ourteam comprising of Ayurvedic doctors enabled us to formulate purely herbal products, Constac and Constac Plus. They are given under the guidance of doctors and are extremely safe.
D-Diet: A diet rich in fiber aids in formation of stools and is the backbone of any constipation treatment. Our nutritionists will guide you in formulating a diet that suits your lifestyle and culture.
P-Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: This is aimed at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic region as they play an important role in evacuation of stools. Many a time, especially in females, the weakened pelvic floor muscles are the major cause of the constipation. The exercises are taught by a Physiotherapist.
A-Ayurvedic therapy:This includes Basti which is an Ayurvedic oil enema therapy. It is one of the components of the highly revered Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda. It helps in relaxing the rectal muscles and anal sphincter.
BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback is basically done to regain control over the rectal muscles. As discussed earlier, in chronic constipation, especially in Obstructed Defecation Syndrome, impaired rectal muscle function is an important causative factor leading to difficulty in expulsion of stools. In this non-invasive treatment, a probe is inserted into the rectum and the muscle activity is monitored on a computer screen. A physiotherapist will then guide you and train you to improve your defecation effort.
STARR SURGERY
In cases of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome or when Chronic Constipation has led to rectal prolapse, surgical intervention in the form of STARR Surgery may become necessary. The aim of the surgery is to remove the part of the obstructed/prolapsed rectum and replace it with a healthy portion of the remaining rectum. In STARR surgery,done under general anaesthesia, two circular staplers are used to produce a circumferential trans-anal full thickness resection of the lower rectum. The combination of the two stapled resections eliminates the structural abnormalities associated with ODS.
STARR ( Stapled Trans Anal Rectal Resection ) Surgery was invented by world-renowned colorectal surgeon, Dr Antonio Longo.
Diagnosis of Chronic Constipation
Although diagnosis of constipation is pretty straightforward, investigations may be required to evaluate the underlying cause in case of chronic cases. Thus, after a detailed history of your bowel habits and general health and lifestyle, your doctor may consider getting one or few of the following tests done:
Rectal examination or Proctoscopy
– This may be done either with a lubricated gloved finger or using an instrument called Proctoscope.
Colonoscopy
– This test is frequently performed to investigate the lower part of the bowel. During the test a long flexible tube with a light and camera at the end is passed through the anus. It allows the doctor to directly visualize the insides of your bowel on a screen.
Anal Manometry
– In this test a small device is inserted into your rectum and attached to a machine that measures pressure readings, as you squeeze, relax and push your rectum muscles. This gives an idea of how well the muscles and nerves in and around your rectum are working.
MRI Defecography
– Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) defecography is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to obtain images at various stages of defecation to evaluate how well the pelvic muscles are working and provide insight into rectal function. It is used to help determine the cause of fecal incontinence, constipation, and other conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse that may interfere with a person’s ability to pass stool.
Blood tests
– Thyroid function tests, Serum B12, Serum D3, Serum Calcium
Food intolerance test
