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Background: There are multiple therapeutic options for the management of constipation, from lifestyle modifications to the use of laxatives and in extreme cases surgery., Objectives and Methods: To establish the clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in Mexico we conducted a review of the literature regarding medical and surgical treatments for chronic constipation and have made recommendations based on evidence., Results: Low water consumption, physical inactivity and low intake of fiber are conditions associated with chronic constipation, but the evidence to prove these associations is scarce. Bolus forming agents are useful in the management of constipation with normal colonic transit and defecation without dissynergia. Evidence supports the use of lactulose (IB) and polyethylene glycol (IA) as the most safe and effective agents in the long term in adults. The use of stimulant laxatives (docusate, picosulfate, senna) is recommended only for short periods. Tegaserod is an agonist of 5-HT4 receptors and there are many clinical trials supporting its effectiveness in the management of functional constipation (IA). However "their cardiovascular safety has been questioned recently. Biofeedback therapy is the gold standard in the management of constipation associated with pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatment is reserved for extreme cases of colonic inertia., Conclusions: The treatment of constipation should be based on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the selection of drugs must be made according to the scientific evidence.

The Latin-American Consensus on Chronic Constipation aimed to establish guidelines to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in the region. Two coordinators and an honorary coordinator established the process and the topics to be discussed, based on a systematic review of the literature published in the previous 10 years, since 1995. Seventeen members participated with the support of their local gastroenterology societies. The members reviewed the different subjects based on the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation; the topics were then discussed in a plenary session. A written report was drafted and the coordinators prepared the final declarations to be submitted to a vote by all the members in October 2006. The consensus concluded that chronic constipation has an estimated prevalence of 5-21% in the region, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Among individuals with constipation, 75% use some type of medication, with more than 50% using home remedies. A diagnosis based on Rome Criteria was recommended and diagnostic testing only in persons older than 50 years or with alarm symptoms. The use of barium enema as an initial investigation was recommended only in countries with a high prevalence of idiopathic megacolon or Chagas' disease. Recommendations on treatment included an increase in dietary fiber of up to 25-30 g/day (grade C). No evidence was found to recommend measures such as exercise, increased water intake, or frequent visits to the toilet. Fiber supplements such as Psyllium received a grade B and pharmacological treatments such as tegaserod and polyethylene glycol, both grade A. There was insufficient evidence to recommend lactulose, but the consensus did not disadvise its use when necessary. Complementary investigations such as colonic transit followed by anorectal manometry and defecography were only recommended to rule out colonic inertia and/or obstructive defecation in patients not responding to treatment. Biofeedback was recommended (grade B) for those with pelvic dyssynergia.

Aims. The frequency of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in the general population of Mexico is unknown. Methods. To determine the prevalence of FGIDs, associated depression, and health care utilization, a population-based sampling strategy was used to select 500 households in the State of Tlaxcala, in central Mexico. Household interviews were conducted by two trained physicians using the Rome IIModular Questionnaire, a health-care and medication used questionnaire and the CES-D depression scale. Results. The most common FGIDs were IBS: 16.0% (95% CI: 12.9-19.5); functional bloating: 10.8% (8.2-13.9); unspecified functional bowel disorder: 10.6% (8.0-13.6); and functional constipation (FC): 7.4% (5.3-10.1). Uninvestigated heartburn was common: 19.6% (16.2-23.4). All FGIDs were equally prevalent among both genders, except for IBS (P = 0.001), IBS-C (P < 0.001), IBS-A/M (P = 0.049), and FC (P = 0.039) which were more frequent in women. Subjects with FGIDs reported higher frequencies of medical visits: 34.6 versus 16.8%; use of medications: 40.7 versus 21.6%; (both P < 0.001); and reported depression: 26.7 versus 6.7%, (P < 0.001). Conclusion. In this first population-based study of FGIDs inMexico, heartburn, IBS, functional distension, and FC were common. Only IBS, IBS-C, IBS-A/M, and FC were more frequent in women. Finally, FGIDs in Mexico had an increased burden of health care utilization and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]