Colonic Inertia Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study is to identify the causes of a condition called colonic inertia, which involves severe constipation. Often, colonic inertia can only be treated by surgery to remove almost the entire colon (large bowel). Researchers aim to determine whether colonic inertia can be caused by changes in the types of microbes (bugs) that are present in the colon, or possibly by a toxin (poison) produced by particular microbes. Understanding the causes of colonic inertia is the first step in developing future treatments. Participants will be asked to provide stool samples when they are able to, as well as complete a questionnaire.