PANCE Blueprint GI and Nutrition (9%)

85 y/o male with back pain, left-sided abdominal pain, and no bowel movements for 7 days

Patient will present as → a 65-year-old male with chronic low back pain complaining of bloating, abdominal pain, straining, and pain with bowel movements. He reports less than 3 bowel movements per week that are very hard and difficult to pass.  The patient is on 50 mcg of transdermal Fentanyl and takes four 10 mg Norco per day for breakthrough pain.

Definition of constipation

• According to the Rome III criteria, functional constipation is defined as any two of the following features:
  • straining
  • lumpy hard stools
  • a sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • use of digital maneuvers
  • a sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage with 25 percent of bowel movements
  • a decrease in stool frequency (less than three bowel movements per week)

The above criteria must be fulfilled for the last three months with symptom onset six months prior to diagnosis, loose stools should rarely be present without the use of laxatives, and there must be insufficient criteria for a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Patients who are older than 50 with new-onset constipation should be evaluated for colon cancer
• Bloating, abdominal pain, straining, and pain with bowel movements
• Opiate use is a classic cause of constipation. All patients on chronic opioids should be prophylaxed with a stool softener
• Think of causes of secondary causes of constipation: DM, hypothyroidism, MS, dehydration, medications are common

A comprehensive physical examination should be performed that includes a rectal exam to palpate for hard stool, assess for masses, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, sphincter tone, push effort during attempted defecation, prostatic hypertrophy in males, and posterior vaginal masses in females

• Imaging — There are limited data to support the role of imaging in the evaluation of constipation in the older adult
• Laboratory testing: CBC, CMP, TSH to identify secondary causes

Increase fiber (20-25 grams per day), exercise, and water in the diet

• The effects of fiber on bowel movements may take several weeks
• In a small study of healthy volunteers, the consumption of extra fluid was not associated with an increase in stool output

Laxatives:  Laxative usage in older adults should be individualized based on the patient's history, comorbidities, drug interactions, and side effects.

• Bulk-forming laxatives first line — Bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium seed (eg, Metamucil), methylcellulose (eg, Citrucel), calcium polycarbophil (eg, FiberCon®), and wheat dextrin (eg, Benefiber)
• Osmotic laxatives can be used in patients not responding satisfactorily to bulking agents. Start with low-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) as it has been demonstrated to be efficacious and well-tolerated in older adults
• Stimulant laxatives — Stimulant laxatives affect electrolyte transport across the intestinal mucosa and enhance colonic transport and motility
• Stool softeners, suppositories (glycerin or bisacodyl), and enemas have limited clinical efficacy and should only be used in specific clinical scenarios
• A patient with constipation lasting for more than 2 weeks that is refractory to treatments should undergo further investigation to identify the underlying cause