10 Complications of Untreated Chronic Constipation Fissures, Piles & More
Constipation is something many Indians experience from time to time, especially due to low fibre meals, insufficient hydration, busy work schedules, and stress. For most people, it is temporary and improves with simple home remedies. But when constipation becomes chronic—lasting for weeks or months—it can lead to serious health complications. According to Dr. Samrat Jankar, one of the most trusted Gastroenterologists and Colorectal Surgeons in Pune, untreated constipation can damage the anal canal, cause bleeding, and even lead to structural changes inside the rectum. Many patients delay treatment, assuming constipation is a minor issue. But prolonged straining and hard stools can cause painful problems like fissures, piles (haemorrhoids), rectal prolapse, and even severe colon disorders. This detailed guide explains the complications of untreated constipation, warning signs, and why early treatment from an expert like Dr. Samrat Jankar is essential.
What Is Chronic Constipation?
Constipation becomes chronic when:
- Bowel movements are less than 3 times a week
- Stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass
- Straining is required every time
- There is a constant feeling of incomplete evacuation
- The problem continues for more than 3 months
Chronic constipation is not just uncomfortable—it puts pressure on the rectum and colon every day. This leads to multiple complications over time.
Common Complications of Untreated Chronic Constipation:
1) Anal Fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. They form when hard stools stretch the anal canal.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain while passing stools
- Burning sensation
- Fresh blood on toilet paper
- Difficulty sitting
Anal fissures can become chronic if left untreated. Dr. Samrat Jankar commonly treats patients suffering from fissures caused by long-term constipation. Early treatment can heal fissures without surgery, but delayed care increases chances of needing surgical intervention.
2) Piles (Haemorrhoids):
Piles are swollen veins inside or around the anus. Constant straining during constipation increases pressure in these veins.
Symptoms:
- Bleeding during stools
- Itching and irritation
- Pain or swelling
- Feeling of a lump
Many patients from Pune consult Dr. Samrat Jankar only after piles become painful or begin bleeding. Untreated piles can worsen from Grade 1 to Grade 4, sometimes requiring advanced laser or stapler surgery.
3) Fistula Around the Anus:
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the skin. It often starts as an untreated infection from an anal tear or blocked gland.
Though constipation itself does not directly cause fistula, constant straining increases the risk of infections that may develop into one.
Fistulas do not heal on their own and require surgical treatment.
4) Rectal Prolapse:
Severe and long-term straining can weaken pelvic floor muscles. Over time, the rectum may start slipping out of the anal opening—a condition called rectal prolapse.
Symptoms:
- A protruding mass from the anus
- Difficulty controlling stools
- Mucus leakage
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Rectal prolapse can be embarrassing and painful. Surgical repair, such as Laparoscopic Rectopexy, is often needed. Dr. Samrat Jankar specialises in minimally invasive surgery for rectal prolapse in Pune.
5) Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS):
ODS happens when stool gets stuck in the rectum due to structural issues like:
- Rectocele (bulging of the rectum into the vagina in women)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Intussusception
- Rectal prolapse
Patients feel the urge to pass stools but cannot empty completely. This is a common complication in long-term constipation. In many cases, STARR surgery (Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection) performed by Dr. Samrat Jankar provides long-term relief.
6) Hard Stool Impaction:
When stool becomes extremely hard and dry, it can get stuck in the rectum. This condition is called fecal impaction.
Symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Leakage of soft stool around the impaction
Fecal impaction requires urgent medical treatment. If ignored, it can damage the colon or cause infection.
7) Chronic Bloating and Gas:
Long-standing constipation causes fermentation of food inside the intestine. This leads to constant gas, bloating, acidity, and discomfort.
Many people ignore these signs, but prolonged bloating can indicate issues like motility disorders or IBS-C, which require specialist evaluation.
8) Rectal Bleeding:
Straining and hard stools cause injury to the anal canal, leading to bleeding. Sometimes bleeding is due to:
- Fissures
- Internal haemorrhoids
- Polyps
- Inflammation
Bleeding must never be ignored. It is one of the most common reasons people visit Dr. Samrat Jankar for evaluation.
9) Hernia Risk:
Continuous straining increases pressure inside the abdomen.
This can contribute to hernia formation, especially:
- Inguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
Hernias require early diagnosis and often surgical correction.
10) Severe Colon Problems (In Rare Cases):
Long-term constipation can stretch the colon significantly.
This may result in:
- Megacolon (abnormally enlarged colon)
- Colonic inertia (extremely slow colon movement)
These conditions require specialised tests and occasionally advanced surgery. Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the few surgeons in Pune experienced in managing such cases.
Why You Should Never Ignore Chronic Constipation?
Untreated constipation affects daily life, mood, concentration, and overall health. It causes:
- Persistent discomfort
- Reduced appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Dietary restrictions
- Anxiety during bowel movement
Medical guidance ensures long-term relief and prevents complications.
Conclusion:
Chronic constipation is not just a minor inconvenience. If ignored, it can lead to serious and painful complications like fissures, piles, rectal prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders. With timely diagnosis and expert care from Dr. Samrat Jankar, patients can avoid these problems and restore their digestive health.