LONG-STANDING BOWEL PROBLEM
Chronic Constipation
A condition in which a person experiences persistently difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements lasting more than three months — often with straining, hard stools, and discomfort.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation is defined as persistent difficulty in passing stools, infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), or a sensation of incomplete evacuation lasting longer than three months. It can broadly be categorised as slow-transit constipation, in which stool moves slowly through the colon, and outlet obstruction (Obstructive Defecation Syndrome or ODS), where there is difficulty in evacuating despite the urge. Causes range from low-fibre diet and inadequate fluid intake to pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal disorders, neurological conditions, and certain medications. While most patients improve significantly with diet, lifestyle changes and laxatives, a small group with severe, refractory constipation may benefit from surgical solutions. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers complete chronic constipation care, from medical management to advanced procedures at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Low-fibre diet and inadequate water intake
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
- Pelvic floor dysfunction or outlet obstruction
- Slow-transit constipation due to colon motility issues
- Diabetes, hypothyroidism and other hormonal conditions
- Long-term use of certain pain medications and supplements
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Slow-transit constipation, Outlet obstruction (ODS), or Mixed type.
STARR Procedure, Subtotal Colectomy — for select severe, refractory cases.
Diet, fibre, fluids, exercise, laxatives and pelvic floor therapy.
Considered only after thorough evaluation and failure of conservative therapy.
Most surgical patients return to routine work within 2–4 weeks.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
STARR Procedure (Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection)
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs the STARR procedure for selected patients with chronic constipation due to outlet obstruction. The technique uses a circular stapler to remove redundant rectal tissue causing rectocele or internal rectal prolapse — significantly improving evacuation and quality of life with a quick, minimally invasive approach.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree carefully assesses symptoms, examines the pelvic floor, and may order colonic transit studies, MRI defecography and anorectal manometry.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A stepwise plan is created — diet, fibre, fluids, lifestyle changes, laxatives and pelvic floor therapy, with surgery only when truly indicated.
- 3
Procedure
If surgery is needed, STARR or subtotal colectomy is planned based on whether the issue is outlet-related or due to slow colonic transit.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Most patients are discharged within 2–3 days. Long-term success requires continued attention to diet, hydration and bowel habits.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
STARR Procedure
Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection removes redundant rectal tissue contributing to outlet obstruction — minimally invasive with excellent symptom relief.
Subtotal Colectomy
Surgical removal of most of the colon — reserved for select patients with severe slow-transit constipation that has failed all other treatments.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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