Box 3: Rome III criteria for diagnosis of constipation [35]

At least two of the following criteria must be met for ≥2 months before diagnosis:

(a) ≤2 defecations in the toilet per week

(b) ≥1 episode of fecal incontinence per week

(c) History of retentive posturing or excessive volitional stool retention

(d) History of painful or hard bowel movements

(e) Presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum

(f) History of large diameter stools that may obstruct the toilet

Patients should not have a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome