[Laxative use and satisfaction of chronically constipated women - a survey of female patients and gastroenterologists in Germany].

OBJECTIVE: Data were collected concerning the patient satisfaction in the treatment of chronic constipation with laxatives.
METHOD: An internet-based survey of female patients with chronic constipation and an online enquiry addressed to gastroenterologists in Germany were carried out.
RESULTS: 492 female patients and 104 physicians participated in the survey. Only 20 % of the patients were currently consuming laxatives. Around one-third of those not using laxatives have had unsatisfactory experiences. Only 32 % of the participants currently taking laxatives were totally satisfied with their drugs. As a general rule several different preparations were tried. The laxatives most closely associated with satisfied patients were bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate, followed by macrogol. The main reasons for dissatisfaction were an insufficient relief of the constipation and a bloated feeling. The majority of the participants expressed an interest in new drugs for the treatment of constipation. The participating physicians stated that they saw several female patients per week who were not satisfied with their constipation treatment, but probably overestimate the proportion.
CONCLUSION: The present survey shows that the majority of women suffering from constipation do not take laxatives and also that about half of them were not satisfied with the agents tried. Only about one-third of the chronic users were totally satisfied. Thus, there is a clear need for new laxatives. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.