The Motility Patterns of the Rectum in Slow Transit Type Chronic Constipation

Abstract

Purpose: We studied rectal motility in chronic constipation. Methods: Rectal manometric recordings using a transanal probe placed with manometric sensors in the rectum were made for 2 hours before meals and 2 hours after meal, in 10 slow-transit constipation patients (group A) and 10 healthy volunteers (group B). Results: Manometric waves recorded in group B were classified into 4 types: Type I was a low-amplitude continuous wave. Type II was a high-amplitude continuous wave or continuous wave with the base line ascending. Type III showed only the base line ascending. Type IV was a high-amplitude sharp wave. Before meals only type I waves appeared. After meals, the frequency of type I waves increased in group B (p<0.01). Types III and IV appeared only in group B. The incidents of type II waves was the same in both groups, but appearance in group B was ealier than that in group A (p<0.01). In group A, the higher frequency wave was delayed and no higher amplitude wave was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that slow-transit chronic constipation patients lack a rectal response to eating due to a gastro-rectal reflex disorder.