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. 2011 Oct;25 Suppl B(Suppl B):7B-10B.

What is chronic constipation? Definition and diagnosis

James R Gray  1
Affiliations

What is chronic constipation? Definition and diagnosis

James R Gray. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011 Oct.

Abstract
in English, French

Although chronic constipation is a common complaint, there are no ideal biological markers for its diagnosis. Diagnosis rests on individual patient perception or clinical criteria developed by expert consensus. Investigation options are multiple but often not necessary. When selected, investigations are directed at confirming the absence of a primary underlying disease, differentiating or defining an alteration in colonic motility or identifying an anorectal evacuation disorder.

Même si la constipation chronique est un problème courant, il n’existe pas de marqueurs biologiques idéaux pour poser ce diagnostic. En fait, le diagnostic repose sur la perception du patient ou les critères cliniques élaborés par des consensus d’experts. Les examens possibles sont multiples, mais souvent inutiles. Lorsqu’ils sont choisis, les examens visent à confirmer l’absence d’une maladie sous-jacente primaire, à différencier ou à définir une modification de la motilité du côlon ou à déceler un trouble d’évacuation anorectale.

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