RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Constipation: An approach to diagnosis, treatment, referral
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 41
OP 46
VO 66
IS 1
A1 Soffer, Edy E.
YR 1999
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/66/1/41.abstract
AB When a patient reports constipation, a careful history and physical examination may identify the underlying cause. In many patients, though, no underlying cause is identified. Empiric treatment with exercise, hydration, fiber supplementation, and mild laxatives is often effective. If constipation does not resolve with these measures, then the physician may refer the patient for further testing for slow colonic transit, pelvic floor dysfunction, or anatomical defects, and in difficult and recalcitrant cases for surgical treatment.