FUNCTIONAL BOWEL DISORDER

Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS)

Q: Why am I constipated even with high fibre and laxatives?

If you strain a lot but cannot evacuate, the issue may be structural or functional — such as rectocele, internal prolapse or pelvic floor dyssynergia. Laxatives soften stool but cannot fix the outlet problem.

Q: Is surgery always needed for ODS?

No. Many patients improve significantly with pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is considered only when imaging confirms a structural problem and conservative treatment has failed.

Q: Will surgery give complete relief?

Most patients see major improvement after ventral rectopexy or STARR, especially when followed by ongoing pelvic floor therapy. Long-term success depends on healthy bowel habits and regular follow-up.

A condition in which a person feels the urge to pass stools but cannot evacuate them properly — leading to chronic straining, incomplete evacuation, and a constant sensation of blockage despite repeated attempts.

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Obstructive Defecation Syndrome ODS treatment illustration showing rectal blockage and pelvic floor dysfunction

Women 40+ MOST COMMON GROUP

Mild to Severe SEVERITY CLASSIFICATION

3 Options SURGICAL TREATMENTS

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS)

Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is a type of chronic constipation in which the colon's motility is normal, but the patient is unable to evacuate stools properly because of a structural or functional problem in the rectum and pelvic floor. It is most often seen in women and is closely linked to rectocele, internal rectal prolapse (intussusception), and pelvic floor dyssynergia. Patients typically experience excessive straining, a strong sensation of incomplete evacuation, the need for digital assistance, and prolonged time spent in the toilet. ODS significantly affects quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation along with MRI defecography and anorectal manometry. Treatment is stepwise — pelvic floor therapy first, with selected patients benefitting from surgery. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers complete ODS care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Strong urge to pass stools but inability to evacuate Excessive straining and prolonged time in the toilet Sensation of incomplete evacuation despite repeated attempts Need for digital pressure on the perineum or vagina to evacuate Use of multiple laxatives and enemas with limited benefit Bloating, lower abdominal discomfort and pelvic heaviness

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Rectocele — bulging of the rectum into the vagina
Internal rectal prolapse (intussusception) blocking evacuation
Pelvic floor dyssynergia or paradoxical contraction
Weakening of pelvic floor support after childbirth
Chronic straining causing structural changes
Hormonal changes around menopause and ageing

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Classification

Functional ODS, Mechanical (rectocele/intussusception), or Mixed types.

Surgical Options

Ventral Rectopexy, STARR Procedure, Rectocele Repair.

First Step

Pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, dietary fibre and lifestyle changes.

Imaging

MRI defecography is key for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.

Female Patients

Sensitive, confidential care by Dr. Tejasree, a female proctologist.

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Laparoscopic Ventral Rectopexy

Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs laparoscopic ventral rectopexy — a modern, sphincter-preserving keyhole surgery that lifts and supports the rectum using a soft mesh. It corrects rectocele and internal rectal prolapse contributing to ODS, with excellent improvement in evacuation, low recurrence, and a quick return to normal life.

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Tejasree performs a careful examination and orders MRI defecography, anorectal manometry and pelvic floor evaluation to identify the precise cause.
2

Treatment Planning

A stepwise plan is created — pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback and lifestyle measures first, with surgery only after a clear structural problem is documented.
3

Procedure

Ventral rectopexy, STARR or rectocele repair is performed under general anaesthesia with minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Most patients are discharged in 2–3 days. Continued pelvic floor therapy is encouraged for the best long-term result.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Ventral Rectopexy

Laparoscopic mesh fixation that lifts the rectum and corrects internal prolapse and rectocele — gold-standard treatment for structural ODS.

STARR Procedure

Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection that removes redundant rectal tissue causing outlet obstruction — minimally invasive with quick relief.

Rectocele Repair

Surgical correction of a rectocele — a bulge of the rectum into the vagina — that improves evacuation and reduces the need for digital support.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I constipated even with high fibre and laxatives?+

Is surgery always needed for ODS?+

Will surgery give complete relief?+

Not sure about your condition?

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