Motor patterns of colonic transit and pathophysiology of severe constipation. [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ian Cook (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr David Lubowski ,  A/Pr Patrick Butler

Brief description This project aims to clarify the contractile patterns of the human colon which underlie the very common and distressing condition of constipation. We will be relating symptoms of constipation from a large number of sufferers with actual measurements of contractions and flow of content along the colon in these patients. The aim will be to try and identify abnormal patterns responsible for the constipation so that future studies can target appropriate drugs at the responsible defect. A better understanding of clusters or symptoms and how they might predict such underlying abnormalities is crucial for the safer and more cost effective diagnosis and treatment of affected patients. Pharmacological studies in the human as well as on tissue obtained from affected patients at surgery will be conducted to better understand the presumptive abnormalities affecting the nerves within the colon in constipation.

Funding Amount $AUD 196,018.36

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant