Targeted treatment for functional constipation

Idiopathic or functional constipation is a common medical problem. In the West, among elderly subjects it has a reported prevalence as high as 24%, and is more common in women. Our survey in Hong Kong showed a prevalence of 14% based on the Rome II criteria. Despite being such a common problem, only a minority seek medical advice and receive the proper treatment. The article by Lau et al reported in this issue describes a multidisciplinary approach for constipated patients with pelvic floor dyssynergy, an approach that may be worth developing by other centres treating this disorder.