An oral capsule that vibrates as it moves through the digestive tract has shown notable promise as a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation, according to new research presented at [b]Digestive Disease Week[/b]. In the pilot study, the vibrating capsule was found to nearly double the weekly bowel movements of patients suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome. ‘Despite the widespread use of medication to treat constipation, nearly 50% of patients are unsatisfied with the treatment either because of side effects, safety concerns about long-term use, or the fact that it simply doesn’t work,’ said Dr Yishai Ron of [b]Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre[/b]. The capsule, which houses a small engine inside, is programmed to begin vibrating six to eight hours after swallowing. The vibrations (mechanical stimulations) cause contractions in the intestine, which help move stool through the digestive tract.
[link url=http://www.ddw.org/news/articles/2014/05/03/vibrating-capsule-shows-promising-results-in-treating-chronic-constipation]DDW report[/link]