Management of functional defecation disorders in adults

This topic describes the management of functional defecation disorders. For general advice about managing functional gastrointestinal disorders, including patient support and psychiatric or psychological assessment, see Approach to managing functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment of functional defecation disorder should be considered if the patient has abnormalities in the coordination of the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor, or poor defecation propulsion.

Specialised physiotherapy including biofeedback training using visual or auditory reinforcementSkardoon, 2017 is first-line therapy—this is more effective than laxativesChiarioni, 2006.