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According to a new study, researchers have developed a vibrating capsule that can treat constipation. The capsule, which is taken orally, helps stimulate the body's digestive tract and promotes waste removal. Based from the clinical trials, the capsule could potentially replace people's need for laxatives.

"Despite the widespread use of medication to treat constipation, nearly 50 percent 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," Yishai Ron, MD, lead researcher for the study and director of Neurogastroenterology and Motility at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center's Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said in the press release reported by Canada Journal.

In this pilot study, the researchers tested the vibrating capsule on 26 patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS). The patients took the capsule two times a week. They also completed a daily questionnaire regarding their bowel movements and use of laxatives. Before the study started, the participants had to undergo a two-week laxative free period.

The patients who took the capsule reported more spontaneous bowel movements that occurred from two to four times a week. They also reported fewer constipation symptoms, less difficulty passing stools and fewer instances of incomplete evacuation.

"Sometimes, drug therapies bring more issues than relief for these patients," Dr. Ron said. "The results of this study point to the potential for an alternative treatment that avoids the typical drug side effects, such as bloating and electrolyte imbalance, by imitating the body's natural physiology."

The vibrating capsule is made with a small engine that vibrates six to eight hours after it enters the body. The vibrations mimic the contractions in the intestines that help the stool pass through the digestive tract and out of the body.

The study, "Vibrating Capsule for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and Constipation Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (C-IBS) - Safety and Efficacy," was presented at the Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, IL.