What’s the longest time that somebody has been constipated?

What’s the longest time that somebody has been constipated?

Next time you’re reaching for the laxatives spare a thought for those with extreme constipation which can cause serious medical damage.

Luis Villazon

Asked by: Patrick Rose, via email

In 2013, a 28-year-old woman from Chembur, India, had to have surgery to remove a “football-sized faecal mass” after 45 days without a bowel movement. It’s not known what caused it, but other cases of extreme constipation have been linked to spinal cord damage or rare medical conditions, which affect the nerves controlling the muscles of the intestine. Sufferers cannot poo normally and must rely on enemas and laxatives.

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Luis Villazon

Q&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
What’s the longest time that somebody has been constipated? © Getty Images

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