"Systematic Review of the Management of Constipation in Cancer Patients"










Project Summary and Objectives:

Constipation is a common and often distressing symptom in cancer patients. There are several different candidate mechanisms, including the use of opiates; complications such as faecal impaction may require in-patient treatment; side-effects of drugs may also be significant; potentially valuable new approaches to management of constipation have recently been developed and evaluated, including polyethylene (PEG) based agents, and suppositories.

The aim of this project is to prepare a systematic review of clinical trials of the treatment of constipation in cancer patients, based on the medical and nursing literature, and on unpublished data (e.g. from pharmaceutical companies).


Further information can be obtained from:

 Dr Ian Penman
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Western General Hospitals NHS Trust
Western General Hospital
Crewe Road
Edinburgh     EH4 2XU
UK
Tel: 0131 537 1758
Fax: 0131 537 1007







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Last updated 22 November 2004
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