Clinical Update: Obstructed Defecation

Constipation can be acute or chronic. Chronic constipation can be due to the slow transit of faeces through the colon defined as slow transit constipation, constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic floor dysfunction leading to obstructed defecation. The following paper presents an overview of the causes and an update of conservative and surgical treatments for obstructed defecation as described in the literature. The purpose of the paper is to provide up-to-date information for clinicians who may have little knowledge of obstructed defecation, its cause, diagnosis and management.