The practical management of chronic constipation as detected by a survey conducted on Italian gastroenterologists

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation represents a widespread medical condition, mainly in elderly people. The management is compelling as these patients frequently have comorbidity and polypharmacy. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used but does not resolve some complaints, mainly concerning pain and bloating. Therefore, a new medical device containing PEG plus simethicone, an antifoaming agent, has been developed. The present survey explored its use in clinical practice.METHODS: A group of 64 Italian gastroenterologists visited 2426 patients with chronic primary constipation. In about two/third, gastroenterologists freely prescribed the new medical device, and in the remaining patients, other treatments were freely chosen by doctors. Patients were followed up for three months. The number of evacuations, stool characteristics, patients’ perception of illness assessed by VAS, frequency of patients with pain and intestinal symptoms, and discontinuing patients was observed during the experience.RESULTS: The new medical device was significantly better than other therapies in improving all parameters (P<0.05 for all parameters).CONCLUSIONS: The present survey demonstrated that a new medical device containing PEG plus simethicone represents a favorable option in managing patients with chronic primary constipation as significantly and safely improves intestinal transit, reduces stool consistency, reduces symptom severity, and is highly satisfactory.