Advances in Basic Research and Surgery of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is a common clinical problem affecting around 16% of people worldwide. The symptoms vary among decreased stool frequency, the need for excessive straining, incomplete evacuation, a sense of anorectal blockage, and unsuccessful defecation. It is usually multifactorial and can result from primary disturbances such as slow transit, defecatory disorders, disorders of anatomic alternations, or secondary causes such as medication. These factors are generally associated with abnormalities in bowel movements or dysfunction of the coordinated contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during defecation. In order to select the best treatment option, a proper diagnosis of the type of chronic constipation is needed. Previous literature has proposed several mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic constipation, especially in the slow transit constipation, such as disturbances in the interstitial cells of Cajal, loss of colonic intrinsic nerves, and alternations of intestinal flora.

We welcome contributions of Original Research, Methods, Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Report, General Commentary, and Opinion encompassing epidemiological, clinical, translational, and basic research focusing on, but not limited to, the following aspects:
1. The pathogenesis of chronic constipation, especially chronic transit constipation.
2. The establishment of different kinds of animal models in correspondence with the subtypes of constipation.
3. The research and development of drugs for constipation.
4. The advances in surgical procedure and long-term evaluation of the surgical treatments.
5. Surgical skills for total colon resection.
6. The appraisal of different methods of anastomosis of the small intestine and rectum
7. Intestinal flora transplantation in constipation