Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: A Treatise on Its Functional Variant

Abstract

Obstructed defecation occurs in a major portion of patients suffering from chronic constipation. Constipation caused by obstructed defecation is of two basic types: functional and mechanical. Repeated stretching of pelvic floor musculature and nerves due to childbirth, problems with rectal sensory perception and psychological factors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obstructed defecation syndrome. Biofeedback is the backbone of therapy of obstructed defecation. In this review, we attempt to discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of the functional variant of obstructed defecation syndrome.