CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Constipation
In the right clinical topic?
Age from 12 years onwards
This CKS topic covers the management of constipation in adults, and includes the management of constipation in pregnancy.
This CKS topic does not cover the management of constipation in palliative care, bowel preparation prior to investigation or surgery, the management of chronic laxative abuse, or the management of the causes of secondary constipation. The management of constipation in children is covered in the CKS topic on Constipation in children and the management of constipation in palliative care is covered in the CKS topic on Palliative cancer care - constipation.
There are separate CKS topics on Anal fissure, Diverticular disease, Haemorrhoids, Irritable bowel syndrome, Palliative cancer care - constipation, and Pruritus ani; there is also a referral guideline, published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, for GI (lower) cancer - suspected.
The target audience for this CKS topic is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care. Patient information from NHS Choices is intended to be printed and given to people with this condition or their carers.
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