Colonic motor activity in slow‐transit idiopathic constipation as identified by 24‐h pancolonic ambulatory manometry

Colorectal motor activity in slow‐transit idiopathic constipation has not been fully evaluated under physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate colorectal motor activity in chronic idiopathic constipation using 24‐h ambulant pancolonic manometry. Ten healthy volunteers (six females) 19–31 years of age, and eight females 25–46 years of age with slow‐transit idiopathic constipation were studied. Motor activity was measured using two custom‐made silicone‐coated catheters, each with five solid‐state pressure transducers. Bowel preparation or sedation was not used. Frequency of high‐amplitude propagated contractions was reduced in chronic idiopathic constipation, median 1.9/24 h vs 6/24 h (P = 0.01). Contractile frequency of low‐amplitude complexes was reduced throughout the colon in slow‐transit idiopathic constipation (P < 0.0001). The interval between contractile complexes was reduced in the transverse colon and splenic flexure (P < 0.0001). This study demonstrates that colonic motor activity is abnormal in slow‐transit idiopathic constipation; decreased motor activity leads to a reduction in propulsion of intraluminal contents.

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