Alterations in Colonic Function in Man Under Stress: III. Experimental Production of Sigmoid Spasm in Patients with Spastic Constipation

Summary In 39 patients with spastic constipation or colonic pain, the motility of the sigmoid colon was studied by proctoscopy or by inlying balloons. When subjected to cold pain, painful compression of the head, or the discussion of life situations productive of emotional conflict, these patients often exhibited markedly increased motility of the colon. This change was associated with obvious changes in speech or in behavior indicating that the patient was under stress. These results are similar to those earlier obtained with persons who had no clinical disorder of the colon.