For persistent constipation, treatments include medication and surgery.
Pharmacologic treatment may include gastrointestinal stimulants, laxatives, and saline enemas, as appropriate. Commonly used gastrointestinal stimulants such as mosapride and itopride are more effective for slow-transmitting constipation and can be used intermittently for a long period of time.
Laxatives such as rhubarb, magnesium sulfate, mannitol, and liquid paraffin are used according to different situations. For those with fecal blockage, saline or soapy water enemas can be used.
For persistent constipation and ineffective medical treatment, surgical treatment can be adopted. Surgical treatment is aimed at solving the defects in the process of fecal transportation and elimination. Surgical procedures include colon resection, rectal protrusion repair, and puborectal muscle amputation, etc. Depending on the cause of the disease, different surgical procedures are used.
Please seek medical attention if you are unwell and follow the doctor’s instructions for medication and treatment.