Constipation Polyclinic
At Anadolu Health Center Constipation Polyclinic, patients suffering from constipation are evaluated in a multidisciplinary manner under the coordination of the Gastroenterology Clinic, with the support of the Radiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology departments and other relevant clinics. At the Constipation Polyclinic, our existing facilities and capacity are used effectively, allowing our patients to be guided and treated correctly in the light of current information.
What methods are used in our polyclinic?
In our polyclinic, your age, symptoms, findings and individual characteristics are evaluated and a decision is made about the tests that need to be performed. Examination and test methods that can be used for this purpose may not be required for every patient.
The equipment and methods used for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of constipation are as follows:
Who has a role in the Constipation Polyclinic?
The coordinator of the Constipation Polyclinic is the Gastroenterology Clinic. Considering the special conditions of our patients, when more detailed examination and treatments are required, patients are served with a wide team consisting of our Diet and Nutrition, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Nephrology, General Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics and Urology departments.
What is constipation?
Constipation, which is among the most common intestinal dysfunctions; It is a very important clinical problem due to the uncertainties regarding its definition, difficulties regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention, and differences in practice and approach.
Constipation can be defined as difficulty in defecation. Within this definition, four main concepts are included together or separately: Stool being too hard, too small, being passed with difficulty, and decreasing frequency. In general, if the number of defecations per week is less than three, constipation can be mentioned.
What are the causes of constipation?
Constipation may occur as a result of digestive system diseases in general, or it may develop as a side effect of abnormalities in dietary habits and some medications.
The causes of constipation can be listed under the main headings as follows:
What are the risk factors of constipation?
Advanced age, gender (female), insufficient fluid consumption, a diet low in fiber, lack of physical activity and the use of certain medications (sedatives, narcotics, hypertension medications, etc.) are the main risk factors for chronic constipation.
When to see a doctor for constipation?
Constipation is a problem that has a solution and is often a functional condition. If you defecate less than 3 times a week, in small quantities, very hard and with difficulty, you should consider getting help for your constipation.
How are constipation diagnosed and evaluated?
Your doctor; He will evaluate your age, symptoms, findings and individual characteristics and share with you the tests that need to be done. There are many examination methods and tests that can be used for this purpose, but not all of them may be required for every patient.
Rectal examination: It is a visual and digital examination of the anus area and the last part of the large intestine. It gives very useful information and tips regarding diagnosis.
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy: It is the name given to the examination of the layer covering the inner surface of the large intestine with a bendable, flexible, fiberoptic device with a camera on its tip. With this device, the relevant parts of the large intestine (up to the part where it joins the small intestine) are examined by entering through the anus. It is investigated whether there is an unexpected growth or disease in these tissues.
Radiological examinations: It allows your digestive system to be examined indirectly with direct radiographs, tomography or magnetic resonance methods.
Colonic transit time: It is the measurement of the speed at which the large intestine moves and evacuates its contents. It provides important information to understand the cause of constipation.
Manometry studies: Manometry; It is a method used to examine the muscle activities, functions and capacities of the last part of the large intestine and the anus. In this way, it is possible to understand whether the muscles in this part of the large intestine are working properly. With this test, the perception functions of the rectal mucosa and muscles are also examined.
Is it possible to prevent constipation?
Dietary measures (a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, a diet rich in fiber) and consuming large amounts of fluids may be useful to prevent constipation. It is very important not to postpone the need to go to the toilet. It is important to allocate a certain amount of time for toilet needs at certain times of the day.
How is constipation treated?
Options for treating constipation are determined according to the cause of constipation. In general, the first precaution to be recommended is to increase the amount of fiber and water consumed. A fiber-rich diet and plenty of fluids, going to the toilet at certain times of the day, and adequate physical activity are important to prevent constipation. If these measures are not sufficient or according to the data and information obtained at the end of the examinations, treatment approaches consisting of various diets, medications and exercises are considered.
Methods called “biofeedback”, which improve the functioning of the intestines and the surrounding skeletal muscles by affecting them, are also used.
Pay attention to these before coming to your doctor!
Before coming to see your doctor, preparing answers to some questions that may come up during the interview will guide your doctor in terms of both a better understanding of your situation and the tests and treatment approach to be planned.
