Understanding Mechanisms of Normal and Disordered Defecation

Constipation Clinical Trial

Official title: Understanding Mechanisms of Normal and Disordered Defecation

Status Recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

Researchers are trying to better understand why constipation occurs and improve the tests for diagnosing these conditions.

Clinical Trial Description

Study includes a screening visit and a study day. During the initial screening visit for this study, subjects will complete three (3) questionnaires about their bowel symptoms, overall health, and anxiety and depression. A blood sample (about 4 tablespoons) will be drawn to study the relationship between genes and certain bowel habits. Subjects will be asked to provide a single stool sample to look at the bacteria in the stool.

Before the study, subjects will receive 1 to 2 Fleet's enemas to clean the rectum. After receiving the Fleet's enema (administered through a small plastic tube in the rectum), a swab attached to a small rectal catheter will be used to brush the lining of the rectum and obtain a stool specimen. Then, rectal and anal pressures will be measured by placing a small catheter (plastic tube) in the rectum, and withdrawing it slowly. Rectal sensation will be measured by inflating a small balloon in the rectum.

There are 2 procedures (rectal barostat study and fecomanoflowmetry), each of which lasts approximately 90 minutes. During the rectal barostat study, contractions will be recorded with a balloon inserted into the rectum and inflated. After the barostat study is completed, your rectum will be filled with a small amount of paste. Two thin catheters will be inserted into the anus to measure pressures and electrical activity (electromyography or EMG). Then, you will be asked to sit on a commode, contract (squeeze) your anal muscles, blow into a balloon, and expel the paste into the commode. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Constipation

• NCT number: NCT03842007
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Mayo Clinic
• Contact: Kelly J Feuerhak
• Phone: 507-255-6802
• Email: Feuerhak.Kelly@mayo.edu
• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 29, 2019
• Completion date: June 2024