Normal and Dyssynergic Defecation

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study will compare respiratory functions, abdominal wall motion, and anorectal pressures in healthy controls and patients with dyssynergic defecation.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclsuion Criteria:

  • Men and women aged 18-80 years who are able and willing to provide written informed consent and to comply with the requirements for the entire study
  • Satisfy Rome III criteria for functional constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome as assessed by questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Clinical evidence of significant cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, hematological, neurological, psychiatric or other disease that may interfere with the objectives of the study and/or pose safety concerns.
  • History of total, hemi- or subtotal colectomy at any time or other abdominal operations within 60 days prior to entry into the study. Segmental resection of the colon (e.g. sigmoid resection) for diverticulitis will be permitted.
  • Current anal fissure.
  • Clinically significant structural abnormalities (eg, rectocele > 4cm, large enterocele, full thickness rectal prolapse) that, in the opinion of the investigator, are likely contributing to symptoms.
  • Current or past history of colon or rectal cancer, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, congenital anorectal abnormalities, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, rectal resection or pelvic irradiation.
  • Pregnant or nursing women, prisoners and institutionalized individuals.
  • BMI > 30 kg/m2.
  • Use of opioid analgesics. Patients on opioids will be allowed to participate if they have discontinued them for at least 1 week before date of screening and are willing to stay off them for the duration of the study.
  • Current use of anticholinergics (e.g. amitriptyline, hyoscyamine).  Patients who use low dose tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline or amitriptyline upto 50 mg/day) will be eligible provided they do not increase the dose during the study period. Patients on higher doses or on other anticholinergics are eligible to participate if they can discontinue their medication at least 3 days (72 hrs) before the date of screening and are willing to stay off them till the study is complete.
  • Current use of laxatives (MiraLax, Ex-lax, senna, herbal supplements), linaclotide, lubiprostone, and prucalopride to treat constipation- patients using these medications will be eligible to participate if they can discontinue the medication at least 3 days (72 hrs.) before the date of screening and are willing to stay off them till the study is complete.
  • Any other factors that increase the risk to participants of participating in the study and/or undermine the integrity of the data.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 3/24/2025. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.
 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Adil Bharucha, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Kelly Feuerhak R.N.

(507) 255-6802

rstgistudy@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available
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CLS-20583808

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