diagnostic criteria for constipation

Diagnostic criteria

• < 3 bowel movements/week and two or more of the following*
  • straining in > 1/4 defecation
  • lumpy or hard stools in > 1/4 defecations
  • sensation of incomplete evacuation in > 1/4 defecations
  • sensation of anorectal obstruction in > 1/4 defecations
  • manual maneuvers to facilitate > 1/4 defecations# AND < 3 defecations/week
  • loose stools are NOT present AND there is insufficient evidence for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

* At least 12 week in preceeding 12 months (need not be consecutive)

# manual maneuvers include digital evacution, support of pelvic floor

More general terms

• criteria

Additional terms

• constipation; dyschezia