Comparison of fluoroscopy and radiography in the assessment of colonic transit time using radio-opaque markers

Persistent symptoms of constipation, such as straining, hard stools, sensation of incomplete evacuation, sensation of anorectal obstruction, manual manoeuvres to facilitate defecation, and infrequent defecation are diagnostic criteria identifying patients with functional constipation, but symptoms alone do not enable a distinction between constipation due to slow transit and cases due to obstructive defecation. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability of a technique enabling a precise segmental count of retained markers and reduction in the exposure to radiation of patients undergoing segmental colonic transit time measurements.