COMMON BOWEL DISORDER
Chronic Constipation
Persistent difficulty passing stools for more than 3 months, the underlying root cause of most anorectal conditions including piles and fissures. Dr. Samhitha Reddy provides comprehensive chronic constipation treatment.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, or consistently difficult, hard, or painful stools, persisting for more than 3 months. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints and, critically, the root cause of many anorectal conditions, including piles, anal fissures, and faecal incontinence. Dr. Samhitha Reddy takes a comprehensive approach, identifying the type of constipation (slow-transit vs outlet obstruction/ODS), correcting its underlying cause, and treating any resulting anorectal conditions. Surgical intervention is reserved for the rare, severe cases of medically refractory slow-transit constipation.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Low-fibre diet and inadequate daily water intake
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
- Hypothyroidism and other hormonal disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Medications, iron supplements, calcium, opioids, antidepressants
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS)
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Colonic transit study, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test guide treatment selection
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection, for selected outlet-obstruction / ODS cases
Reserved for severe, proven slow-transit constipation unresponsive to all medical treatments
Highly effective for outlet obstruction / ODS, retrains pelvic floor to relax during defecation
25-35g fibre/day + 2-3 litres water resolves most cases without medication
Correcting constipation prevents piles, fissures, and prolapse, integral to all proctology treatment
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Treating Constipation = Preventing Anorectal Disease
Dr. Samhitha strongly believes in treating constipation at its root, not just managing its consequences. Correcting chronic constipation prevents the progression of piles, stops fissures from recurring, and avoids the need for repeat surgical procedures. For the rare severe cases, the STARR Procedure (outlet obstruction) or Subtotal Colectomy (slow-transit) is available.
- 1
Comprehensive Evaluation
Colonic transit study identifies slow-transit constipation. Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test diagnose outlet obstruction (ODS/pelvic floor dysfunction). This guides targeted treatment.
- 2
Dietary & Lifestyle Modification
Personalised high-fibre dietary plan (25-35g/day), hydration targets (2-3L/day), regular walking, and correct toilet positioning (footstool use). Resolves the majority of constipation without medication.
- 3
Biofeedback for Outlet Obstruction
When pelvic floor dysfunction causes outlet obstruction, biofeedback therapy retrains the pelvic floor muscles to relax correctly during defecation. Effective in 60-80% of ODS cases.
- 4
STARR Procedure / Subtotal Colectomy
STARR (Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection) is offered for selected outlet-obstruction cases with significant internal prolapse. Subtotal Colectomy (ileorectal anastomosis) is reserved for severe, proven slow-transit constipation unresponsive to all other treatments.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
STARR Procedure
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection is a procedure that removes redundant rectal tissue using a circular stapling device to improve obstructed defecation.
Subtotal Colectomy
A surgical procedure involving the removal of a major portion of the colon, typically performed for severe disease not responding to medical management.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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