Understanding Mechanisms of Normal and Disordered Defecation
Mayo Clinic
Summary
Researchers are trying to better understand why constipation occurs and improve the tests for diagnosing these conditions.
Description
Study includes a screening visit and a study day. During the initial screening visit for this study, subjects will complete three (3) questionnaires about their bowel symptoms, overall health, and anxiety and depression. A blood sample (about 4 tablespoons) will be drawn to study the relationship between genes and certain bowel habits. Subjects will be asked to provide a single stool sample to look at the bacteria in the stool. Before the study, subjects will receive 1 to 2 Fleet's enemas to clean the rectum. After receiving the Fleet's enema (administered through a small plastic tube in the…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria * Male and female volunteers aged 18-80 years. * Able to provide written informed consent before participating in the study. * Able to communicate adequately with the investigator and to comply with the requirements for the entire study. * Individuals with chronic constipation for 1 year, with 2 or more of the following symptoms for 3 months or longer: \<3 bowel motions/week, straining ≥ 25% of time, hard or lumpy stools ≥ 25% of time, anal digitation ≥ 25% of time, incomplete evacuation ≥ 25% of time, feeling of anorectal blockage ≥ 25% of time. * Able to provide written i…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestRectal Barostat Study
Contractions will be recorded with a balloon inserted into the rectum and inflated
- Diagnostic TestFecoflowmetry
Rectum will be filled with a small amount of paste.Two thin catheters will be inserted into the anus to measure pressures and electrical activity (electromyography or EMG). Subjects will be asked to sit on a commode, contract (squeeze) your anal muscles, blow into a balloon, and expel the paste into the commode.
Location
- Mayo Clinic in RochesterRochester, Minnesota