A preliminary study on the colonic dynamics in children of chronic constipation

Objective To explore the colonic motor function of children with chronic constipation. Methods Twenty-five constipation children were enrolled in this study receiving determination of the colonic transit time and the anorectal vector manometry. Patients were then divided into subgroups with prolonged transit time and that with normal transit time. The value of anorectal manometry was assessed in these two subgroups. Results The total gastrointestinal transit time (TGITT), Left colonic transit time (LCTT)and rectosigmoid colonic transit time (RSTT) in constipation children were significantly longer than those measured in 33 healthy controls: (92±56) h vs. (29±8) h,P0.01; (17±13) h vs. (7±4) h, P0.01; (62±29) h vs. (13±6) h, P0.01. The right colonic transit time (RCTT) was not statistically different between the patients and controls. The squeezing maximal pressure (MaxP) was significantly increased in patients [(236±44) mm Hg vs. (190±38) mm Hg, P0.05], vector symmetric index (VSI) decreased [(0.71±0.06) vs. (0.84±0.08), P0.05]. Conclusions The colonic transit time and vector manometry in anorectal area are abnormal in constipation children. The variation in colonic and/or anorectal motor function may constitute the pathophysiological basis of constipation.