Neuronal dysplasia. Considerations for the pathogenesis and treatment of primary chronic constipation in adults

Int J Colorectal Dis. 1990 May;5(2):106-12. doi: 10.1007/BF00298481.

Abstract

Intestinal muscle and the autonomic nervous system constitute a neuromuscular unit. A clinical study was undertaken to seek neurogenic causes of impaired motility affecting the rectosigmoid junction and rectum. Patients with primary chronic constipation were shown by enzyme-histochemical examination of biopsies to have neuronal colonic dysplasia of the rectosigmoid, whereas the latter was normally innervated in healthy controls. The present investigations provide a fresh insight, underpinned by histological findings, into the aetiology of chronic constipation and make a contribution to its operative treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Colon, Sigmoid / abnormalities
  • Colon, Sigmoid / embryology
  • Colon, Sigmoid / innervation*
  • Constipation / etiology*
  • Constipation / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectum / abnormalities
  • Rectum / embryology
  • Rectum / innervation*