Measurement of colonic transit time based on radio opaque markers in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation; a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background:Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders particularly in industrialized countries. Incidence of constipation varies from 3.4 % to 27.2% in different societies. Increase in urban population, industrialization of communities, changes in behavioral and nutritional habits and inactivity have increased the number of patients suffering from constipation.Objectives:The aim of the study was to measure colonic transit time in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.Patients and Methods:Fifty-two patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (according to ROME III criteria) were selected. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism were excluded. Each patient took a capsule containing ten 1-3 mm long angiographic guide daily for 6 days. Abdominal x-ray was performed on the seventh day. Remaining markers in each segment were counted and segmental and total colonic transit time was calculated. The analysis was performed by SPSS version 18. In all tests, a P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The mean age of patients was 36.9 ± 10.1 years. 80.8 % of patients were female. The mean total colonic transit time was 40.8 ±35.1 hours. 34.6 % of patients and 36.5 % of them had prolonged total and segmental colonic transit time.Conclusions:We found that prolonged total and segmental colonic transit time is common in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Normative Values for Colonic Transit Time and Patient Assessment of Constipation in Adults With Functional Constipation: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

“…After screening 426 records for eligibility, 24 studies representing 3786 unique patients were included in the meta-analysis. 5 , 14 - 36 The most common reasons for study exclusion were attributable to absence of main outcome reporting or Rome III FC diagnosis. A flow diagram of study identification and selection is shown in Figure 1 .…”

“…In 10 studies with 1119 patients, 5 , 15 , 17 - 19 , 28 - 30 , 32 , 35 pooled CTT was 58 hours (95% CI: 50-65 hours) ( Figure 2 ). Publication bias was not evident (Egger P = .51).…”