Motility & Function Tests
Measures how quickly stool moves through the large bowel, using small markers and an X-ray - to identify slow-transit constipation.
Overview
In a colonic transit study, you swallow capsules containing small markers that show on X-ray. You continue a normal, high-fibre diet, and after a few days an abdominal X-ray shows how many markers remain and where they are.
If many markers remain spread through the colon, it suggests slow-transit constipation; if they collect in the rectum, it suggests an outlet problem such as dyssynergic defecation. This helps choose the right treatment.
Where: Advised and planned at consultation; the clinic arranges the test.
Motility & Function Tests
Chronic constipation is not one condition. In slow-transit constipation, the colon moves stool slowly. In outlet (evacuation) problems, stool reaches the rectum but cannot be passed easily. The treatments are different, so a colonic transit study, together with anorectal manometry, helps choose the right one.
Slow-transit constipation is usually managed with diet, fluids and medicines that improve bowel movement. Outlet problems often respond to biofeedback therapy. Surgery is considered only in a small number of carefully selected patients.
The study is advised and planned after consultation with Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi at Medigest, West Punjabi Bagh, and the results are explained with a treatment plan.
People with slow-transit constipation often have very infrequent bowel movements, sometimes once a week or less, little urge to pass stool, bloating and abdominal discomfort. Laxatives may help only partially. Outlet problems, in contrast, are more often linked to straining, a feeling of blockage and incomplete emptying even when there is an urge. Because the symptoms overlap, a colonic transit study and anorectal manometry are often needed to tell them apart.
Before a colonic transit study, the doctor checks for causes such as thyroid problems, diabetes, high calcium, medicines that cause constipation and, where needed, a colonoscopy to rule out a blockage. These steps make sure that the constipation is functional before motility testing is done.
Results guide a personal plan. For slow-transit constipation, this may include fibre and fluid adjustments, osmotic laxatives and medicines that improve colonic movement. For outlet problems, biofeedback therapy is the main treatment. Progress is reviewed at follow-up visits or online consultations.
Book a consultation or request an online consultation to discuss whether Colonic Transit Study is right for you.
Before & after
General guidance - the clinic gives you personalised instructions when you book.
On the day
You swallow the marker capsules.
You eat a high-fibre diet and avoid laxatives.
An abdominal X-ray is taken on the advised day.
FAQ
The study usually needs a single abdominal X-ray, so the radiation dose is low.
Most medicines can be continued, but laxatives, enemas and some medicines that affect bowel movement are usually stopped. Follow the instructions given for your study.
Yes. The markers are small and pass naturally in the stool, and the study needs only a low radiation dose from one or two X-rays.
Anorectal manometry and a balloon expulsion test are often done as well, so the doctor can see both how fast the colon works and how well stool can be passed.
Book a consultation first by phone, WhatsApp or the online form. Advised and planned at consultation; the clinic arranges the test. The clinic will share preparation instructions.
Related
Checks how the rectum and anal sphincter muscles work together - to find the cause of chronic constipation or leakage.
Learn moreGuided muscle retraining for dyssynergic defecation - a common, treatable cause of long-standing constipation.
Learn moreAt clinicA camera examination of the whole large intestine to find the cause of bleeding, change in bowel habit or anaemia - and to find and remove polyps early.
Learn moreAppointments
Visit the clinic in West Punjabi Bagh, or book an online consultation from home.
