OBJECTIVETo search for the best therapy for slow transmission constipation (STC) or mixed constipation (MC) by intensive acupoints thread embedding (IATE).

METHODSA total of 310 patients with constipation were assigned to 5 groups using a stratification control method. The 62 patients of STC in the observation group I were treated by IATE at Dachangshu (BL 25), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongji (CV 3) and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints; the 62 of MC in the observation group II by IATE at the same acupoints and local anal operation; both the 62 of STC in the control group I and the 62 of MC in the control group 1I were treated by oral administration of Simo Decoction, while the 62 of MC in the control group III were treated by local anal operation alone. Conditions of defecation were recorded every day in the 6-month follow-up period. Gastrointestinal transit test (GITT) was carried out before and after treatment. One follow-up was conducted at the 1st, 3rd and 6th month.

RESULTSIn the 124 patients of the two observation groups, 52 (41.9%) were cured after treatment, they could normally discharge stool, 5 (4.0%) showed markedly effective with their constipation alleviated, but having occasional bowel slackened sensation. In the control group I and II, none was cured or effectively treated, while in the control group III, the efficacy in 8 patients were judged as marked effective, but none was cured.

CONCLUSIONIATE is a convenient and effective composite therapy. It shows favorable clinical efficacy for STC, and also for MC in case of combined with local anal operation.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Catgut ; Constipation ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Implantation ; methods

We report a case of a chronic hemodialysis patient who developed hypermagnesemia due to an overdose of magnesium-containing laxative and paralytic ileus resulting in colonic perforation. Despite intravenous calcium infusion and daily hemodialysis, the patient developed ischemic colitis and intestinal perforation. Colonic perforation accompanied with hypermagnesemia in hemodialysis patients has rarely been reported. This case suggests that hypermagnesemia should be considered in renal failure patients as this can result in life-threatening events despite prompt treatment.
Colitis, Ischemic/*chemically induced/diagnosis/surgery ; Constipation/*drug therapy/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Perforation/*chemically induced/surgery ; Laxatives/adverse effects/*poisoning ; Magnesium/*poisoning ; Middle Aged ; *Renal Dialysis

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Simotang oral liquid and glycerin enema on the patients' bowel sound (BS) restoration and anal exhaust after abdominal gynecological operation.

METHODNinety patients with benign tumor who had undergone gynecological operation were randomly divided into the Simotang group, treated after operation with Simotang oral liquid; the enema group, treated with glycerin enema, and the control group, non-treated. The restoration time of BS and anal exhaust were observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the restoration time of BS and anus exhaust were both significantly shorter in the Simotang group and the enema group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05); but the difference between the two treated groups was insignificant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSimotang oral liquid and glycerine enema both could benefit the restoration of anal exhaust and BS after abdominal operation.

Abdomen ; Administration, Oral ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Constipation ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Enema ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; drug effects ; Glycerol ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myoma ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; drug therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Ectopic ; surgery ; Uterine Neoplasms ; surgery

While constipation is a common symptom in Korea, there are no existing treatment guidelines. Although constipation may occur as a result of organic cause, there is no obstructive mucosal or structural cause in the vast majority of patients with constipation. The present paper deals with only the management of functional constipation: lifestyle changes; bulking agents and stool softeners; osmotic agents; stimulant laxatives; prokinetics; biofeedback and surgical treatments. Exercise and dietary fiber are helpful in some patients with constipation. Laxatives including bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents, and stimulant laxatives have been found to be more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of constipation. New enterokinetic agents that affect peristalsis through selective interaction with 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptors can be effective in patients with constipation who cannot get adequate relief from current laxatives. Biofeedback can relieve symptoms in selected patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatments can be helpful in some patients with refractory constipation.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Cathartics/therapeutic use ; Constipation/surgery/*therapy ; Dietary Fiber/therapeutic use ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Exercise Therapy ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Laxatives/therapeutic use ; Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use ; Surface-Active Agents/therapeutic use