Overview
Conditions

Chronic Constipation Surgery

  • About
  • Minimally invasive
  • Talk to your
    surgeon
  • Resources

Obstructed Defecation Syndrome, ODS, can be caused by structural deformities in the rectum resulting in chronic constipation. A surgical procedure, Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR), can treat ODS using minimally invasive methods. [What that means for most patients is a quick procedure and a short recovery time.6

How STARR Works
STARR is a surgical procedure that is performed through the anus, requires no external incisions, and leaves no visible scars.

Using a surgical stapler, the procedure removes the excess tissue in the rectum, reducing the anatomical defects that can cause ODS.

A Minimally Invasive Approach to ODS Surgery
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) is a surgical solution to Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) that repairs and strengthens the prolapsed rectal wall. The procedure removes excess tissue in the rectum, reducing the deformities that contribute to ODS. STARR leaves the rectum free of obstruction, allowing for normal bowel movement. The procedure offers patients a quick return to normal activity, with minimal pain during and after surgery.1

A multicenter trial of 90 patients showed:6

  • The average procedure time is less than an hour
  • Patients returned to normal activity within 10 days (mean = 10.2+- 4.5 days)
  • Symptoms of ODS, such as feeling of incomplete evacuation, need for manual assistance, painful evacuation and need for laxatives, improved significantly in most patients

Site References

A Minimally Invasive Approach to ODS Surgery
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) is a surgical solution to Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) that repairs and strengthens the prolapsed rectal wall. The procedure removes excess tissue in the rectum, reducing the deformities that contribute to ODS. STARR leaves the rectum free of obstruction, allowing for normal bowel movement. The procedure offers patients a quick return to normal activity, with minimal pain during and after surgery.1

A multicenter trial of 90 paitients showed:1

  • The average procedure time is less than an hour
  • Patients returned to normal activity within 10 days (mean = 10.2+- 4.5 days)
  • Symptoms of ODS, such as feeling of incomplete evacuation, need for manual assistance, painful evacuation and need for laxatives, improved significantly in most patients

Site References

Talking to your Doctor about the STARR procedure
Once you’re referred to a surgeon, it is important to ask questions. Learn as much as you can about your surgeon, the surgery, and your own condition. Here are a few questions for you to get the conversation started.

  • Is STARR an appropriate option for me?
  • What are the benefits of STARR?
  • How many times have you performed the STARR procedure?
  • How long will the procedure take?
  • Will this procedure require a hospital stay and, if so, for how long?
  • How long will the recovery process take?
  • How soon can normal diet and activity be resumed?
  • Will having the procedure require any long-term changes in work, diet, and/or activity?
  • What are the potential risks and complications of the STARR procedure?

Don’t like the answers you get? Consider getting a second opinion. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the treatment and the surgeon you’ve selected.

Finding a Surgeon
To locate a surgeon in your area experienced in a minimally invasive approach for hemorrhoid surgery, use our Find a Physician tool.

Site References

Chronic Constipation Surgery Resources

To learn more about this surgery and the various procedures, we have provided the following resources.

  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)
  • The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is a national association of colon and rectal surgeons focused on the treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus.
  • http://www.fascrs.org
  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • The American Gastroenterological Association is a non-profit organization with more than 14,500 physician and scientist members who research, diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
  • http://www.gastro.org/
  • National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse - Constipation
  • The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NDDIC was established to increase knowledge and understanding about digestive diseases.
  • http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/topics/constipation.asp

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Find a Surgeon

Whether you choose to have conventional surgery or to have a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), it is important that you have a surgeon who is experienced and qualified to perform the proce- dure. Use the tips below to ensure that your surgeon has the proper credentials.

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced with MIS, click here.