Objective: To explore the operative indications, prognosis, and possible pathogenic factors of slow transit constipation (STC).
Methods: 17 cases with STC who had undergone colectomy were analysed.
Results: Bowel movement frequency was once per 4 to 14 days in all of the patients, who had had long-term laxative abuse. Delayed colonic transit was demonstrated in all patients, 82.4% of them were accompanied by outlet obstructive constipation (OOC) and 50% showed abnormal sex hormones. Reduced numbers of argyrophilic neurons and vacuolar degeneration of axons were demonstrated at the myenteric plexus pathologically. Three patients had adhesive ileus postoperatively and one patient suffered from difficult evacuation again 5 years after the operation.
Conclusions: Colectomy is highly effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with STC, and pelvic floor disorder of OOC should be treated simultaneously.