Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Slow Transit Constipation
• Medical Term: Colonic inertia

Summary

Slow transit constipation is a type of constipation characterized by a reduced frequency of bowel movements due to the slowed movement of stool through the colon.

Causes

• The exact cause is often unclear, but it can involve abnormalities in nerve or muscle function of the colon.
• It can be idiopathic or associated with neurological issues or systemic diseases.

Risk Factors

• Gender: More common in women.
• Age: Incidence can increase with age.
• Certain lifestyle factors like low fiber diet and inadequate fluid intake.

Symptoms

• Infrequent bowel movements
• Straining during bowel movements
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Abdominal bloating

Diagnosis

• Detailed patient history and physical examination.
• Tests like anorectal manometry, colonic transit studies, and sometimes colonoscopy or imaging studies.

Treatment Options

• Dietary changes, including increased fiber intake and hydration.
• Laxatives or stool softeners.
• Medications that stimulate bowel movement like prokinetic agents.
• Biofeedback therapy.
• In some cases, surgical options like colectomy.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis varies; many individuals manage symptoms effectively with lifestyle changes and medication.
• Regular follow-up may be needed to adjust treatments.

Complications

• Fecal impaction
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Bowel obstruction, though rare

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular exercise
• Adequate hydration
• High-fiber diet

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite lifestyle changes.
• Presence of severe pain, bloody stool, or sudden changes in bowel habits.

Additional Resources

• American Gastroenterological Association (www.gastro.org)
• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (www.iffgd.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to accurately differentiate between different types of constipation in documentation.
• Be aware of any other underlying conditions that might require additional coding.
• Common mistake: confusing with general constipation code (K59.00); ensure specificity.