Twenty-four hour spatiotemporal mapping of colonic propagating sequences provides pathophysiological insight into constipation.

Colonic propagating sequences (PS)s are a major determinant of luminal propulsion. A global appreciation of spatiotemporal patterning of PSs requires evaluation of 24 h pan-colonic recordings, a difficult task given that PSs are relatively infrequent events that are not uniformly distributed throughout the colon. Here we developed a means of space-time-pressure 'mapping' in a condensed format, 24 h of colonic recording in such a manner that readily permits an overall view of colonic antegrade and retrograde colonic PSs within a single figure. Such graphical representation readily permits appreciation and identification of aberrant patterns in severe constipation and may be an important clinical and research tool in the assessment of colonic motor disorders.