Overview
The objective of this study is to study if low level laser therapy will do more good than harm for patients with severe chronic refractory constipation. It is a proof of concept study without a placebo arm.
Description
Patients will be offered the therapy if High-Resolution Colonic Manometry has shown that coordination between colon motility and recto-anal activity is abnormal and that autonomic nervous system assessment suggests a dysfunction of communication between the spinal cord autonomic nerves and the colon-rectum-anus. The therapy consists of a 3 week treatment with a total of 8 sessions of low level laser therapy. Effects will be assessed using symptom and quality of life questionnaires and physiological assessments of colon and pelvic floor function, at 4 weeks and 12 weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with severe chronic refractory constipation
- Must have undergone high resolution colonic manometry that shows abnormal coordination between colonic motility and ano-rectal function.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant patients
- Known malignancies in the area of treatment
- Active bleeding in area of treatment
- Active deep vein thrombosis
- When tatoos are present at area of treatment
- Patients that are light sensitive
- Patients who take NSAIDS or steroids.