“Constipation Problem” is not a small issue to overlook. If you feel that bowel movements are difficult, each time you have to stay in the bathroom for a long time, strain hard, and experience bloating, abdominal pain, and abdominal cramps, these symptoms are signs that you are constipated. If these symptoms persist for more than 3 months, ordinary constipation may lead to serious health problems and affect your quality of life.
If you want to treat constipation… you must find out the cause first!
Because constipation can be caused by many factors, Phyathai 2 Hospital has introduced the Sitzmarks Capsule innovation to diagnose diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and colon in patients with severe constipation. The Sitzmarks test helps doctors diagnose colonic inertia and obstruction or failure of the distal sphincter muscle to relax.
Sitzmarks Capsule is used for patients with chronic constipation. It studies the movement of the colon using “Radiopaque Markers” — 24 small pieces contained in the Sitzmarks Capsule — to assess whether food or stool moves quickly or slowly through the gastrointestinal tract and the nature of its motility.
*Each Sitzmarks Capsule contains 24 small O-Ring shaped Radiopaque Markers, which can be seen on X-ray examination.
What are the results from swallowing Sitzmarks Capsule… and how to diagnose? Let’s see!
- If on day 5, the X-ray shows that 80% of all O-Rings have been expelled from the body or no more than 5 pieces remain in the colon, it means “normal colonic motility function”.
- If the X-ray shows most O-Rings scattered throughout different parts of the colon, it means “the colonic motility function is sluggish or slow” (Hypomotility or Colonic inertia).
- If the X-ray shows most O-Rings accumulated in the distal colon (Rectum or Rectosigmoid), it means “normal colonic motility function but delayed or obstructed distal colon” (Functional outlet delay or obstruction, e.g., internal rectal prolapse, anismus).
Did you know? Sitzmarks Capsule can be used for children aged 2 years and older
Sitzmarks Capsule can be used for pediatric patients aged 2 years and older who can swallow this size of capsule, or the capsule can be opened and all 24 O-Rings mixed with apple sauce or similar food, then given to the child to swallow without chewing. After 5 days, the child returns for an X-ray and the results are interpreted the same as for adults.
The procedure for swallowing Sitzmarks Capsule is easier than you think
- Day 1 The patient swallows the Sitzmarks Capsule with water.
- Day 1 – 4 The patient can go home and live normally, including working, doing activities, and eating normally. During this period, laxatives, enemas, or suppositories should be avoided for 5 days from the day of swallowing.
- Day 5 The patient returns to the hospital for a flat plate abdominal X-ray examination.
