Perdue Colin
Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
Nurs Times. 2005;101(21):36-40.
Constipation is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with advanced cancer. If ignored, constipation will get worse. If left untreated, it can greatly reduce a patient's quality of life. An improved understanding of bowel function and knowledge of the recognised risk factors will lead to a greater appreciation of the signs and symptoms of constipation.
便秘是晚期癌症患者常见且使人虚弱的症状。若被忽视，便秘会加重。若不治疗，它会极大地降低患者的生活质量。对肠道功能的进一步了解以及对公认风险因素的认识，将使人们对便秘的体征和症状有更深刻的认识。
