ABSTRACT
Constipation has been recognized as a medical condition as far back as primeval times. The modern definition of constipation is based on numerous different etiologies. Comorbidity-related constipation due to pharmacological, metabolic, endocrine, neurological, and systemic disorders can also occur. The economical impact of constipation can easily be seen by the sale of over-the-counter laxatives. The long-standing criteria define constipation as the frequency of bowel movements. The initial colorectal evaluation rules out secondary causes of constipation from primary functional constipation. Functional constipation can be divided into three major types: constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome obstructive defecation, also known as pelvic floor dyssynergia, dyssynergic defecation, anismus, or outlet obstruction; and “slow transit constipation” or “colonic inertia,” which is characterized by a prolonged length of time for stool to pass through the entire colon. Once a structural etiology of constipation is ruled out, a diagnosis of functional constipation is reasonable.
