Colonic motility in man: Features in normal subjects and in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation

The human colon is still a relatively unknown viscus, especially concerning its motor activity. However, in recent years, techniques have been perfect ed that allow a better understanding of colonic motility, especially throug h prolonged recording periods. In this way, it has been demonstrated that t he viscus contracts according to a circadian trend, is responsive to physio logical stimuli (meals, sleep), and features high amplitude, propulsive con tractions that are part of the complex dynamic of the defecatory process. T hese physiological properties and their alterations in patients with chroni c idiopathic constipation are reviewed in this article. (Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:1760-1770. (C) 1999 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology).