Chronic refractory constipation

Chronic refractory constipation — referral criteria for Gastroenterology services.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed chronic refractory constipation with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Suspected large bowel obstruction

Faecal impaction that has not responded to adequate medical management

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Constipation lasting more than 12 months with refractory symptoms that affect the person’s activities of daily living despite an adequate trial of treatment

Usually managed in primary care

Patients with no sentinel findings, who have not had an adequate trial of treatment (e.g. regular osmotic laxatives)
Laxative dependence