Chronic constipation is a common malady impacting 11% of the world population. It is more so common in older individuals. Historically, constipation has been considered a disorder of delayed transit, but individuals with normal transit experience the same symptoms. While laxatives may work for a select proportion of the population, many individuals suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction and require more specialized treatment. This discussion will focus on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of constipation, the timing of and appropriate diagnostics, and evidence-based treatments dispelling decades old myths and misconceptions about this disorder.

1. Correctly define functional constipation using the Rome IV criteria.
2. Differentiate the four major classes of chronic constipation.
3. Understand the recommendations for specific over the counter therapies for constipation.
4. Define the appropriate tests and order of testing to differentiate causes of chronic constipation.
5. Dispel myths and misconceptions regarding chronic constipation.

Darren M. Brenner, MD, FACG, AGAF, RFF, Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery

Irene D. Pritzker Foundation Research Scholar; Director—Northwestern Neurogastromotility and Interdisciplinary Bowel Dysfunction Programs; Director—Motts Tonelli Gi Physiology Laboratory; Northwestern University—Feinberg School of Medicine 

Dr. Brenner is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery in the Division of Gastroenterology at Northwestern University and serves as Director of the Neurogastromotility and Interdisciplinary Bowel Dysfunction programs, and Motts Tonelli GI Physiology Laboratory. He is also an active Irene D. Pritzker Foundation Research Scholar. Dr. Brenner focuses his clinical and research pursuits on a wide range of motility topics including IBS, constipation, opioid related constipation, fecal incontinence, gastroparesis and scleroderma. He has published more than 150 articles, abstracts, and online materials on these subjects, and has lectured both nationally and internationally in these areas. He acts as a reviewer and editor for multiple GI peer-reviewed journals and is a former associate editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. He serves as a member of the board of directors for the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, on the Rome Foundation committee on clinical trial design, and serves or has served on multiple AGA and ACG committees including research, education, and digital publications and communications. Dr. Brenner is a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and Rome Foundation. He has been appointed to the peer perspective board of Helio Gastroenterology and has been named to the Helio 200 top innovators in gastroenterology and hepatology and Best Doctors in America lists.  In his free time, Dr. Brenner is an avid practitioner of Shotokan karate, holds a 3^rd degree black belt in this art,  and served as head coach of the US Junior National Karate Team at the World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2022 where his daughter was the only American karate athlete to win a gold medal.