ReviewBMC gastroenterology2025
Pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic innovations, and multimodal therapeutic strategies for slow transit constipation.
Review in BMC gastroenterology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Microbiota-immune-enteric nervous system interactions in functional constipation: a narrative review and hypothesis-generating framework.Frontiers in immunology · 2026Review
- Slow Transit Constipation: Pathophysiological Perspectives and Management Updates.Journal of digestive diseasesReview
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSlow transit constipation (STC), a subtype of functional constipation characterized by delayed colonic transit (> 72 h), imposes substantial physical and psychological burdens.
aimsThis review synthesizes current evidence on STC epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic innovations, and multimodal management.
methodsA literature review was conducted using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for all articles and trials with the following search terms: "Slow transit constipation" OR "Chronic constipation" OR "STC". The comprehensive literature search was conducted for relevant articles published up to June 2025. The search yielded approximately 1005 records from PubMed and 220 records from CNKI. The abstracts and titles of all retrieved articles were reviewed for relevance. Articles were included in this narrative review if they provided original insights, comprehensive summaries, or presented clinical trial data on the pathophysiology, diagnostic innovations, or therapeutic strategies for slow transit constipation. Both foundational and recent high-impact studies were prioritized.
resultsKey pathophysiological mechanisms involve: smooth muscle atrophy/fibrosis, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) depletion, enteric nervous system dysregulation, hormonal imbalances (thyroid/sex hormones), and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Diagnosis integrates: (1) Rome IV symptom criteria (≤ 3 spontaneous bowel movements/week, hard stools, straining); (2) Objective transit testing (scintigraphy, wireless motility capsule); (3) Exclusion of secondary causes. Conservative management emphasizes fiber intake, hydration, and physical activity. Pharmacotherapy includes osmotic laxatives (first-line), prokinetics (prucalopride; second-line), and microbiota modulators. For refractory cases, colectomy requires strict selection: failed conservative therapy, confirmed transit delay, and excluded pelvic floor dysfunction. Future research should prioritize genetic susceptibility, signaling pathway modulation, and personalized algorithms.
conclusionsThe explicit pathogenesis of STC remains incompletely characterized. Besides referencing the Rome IV criteria, its diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment integrating the clinical symptoms and various accessorial examinations. The management of STC also demands clinical gastroenterologist adopt a comprehensive approach, including appropriate lifestyle, pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and even surgical treatment. This review provides multidimensional ideas for gastroenterologists to treat patients grappling with STC.
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What Socratic holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.