Abstract Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a functional disorder leading to the sensing of outlet obstruction in the absence of any pathological findings. In this article, we also provide the etiology of acquired constipation. Constipation is a very common presentation by the patients of a practicing surgeon. Any constipation that defies the existing understanding merits consideration for its evaluation for ODS. Constipation can be of primary or secondary variety. After clinically excluding the usual causes of constipation and ruling out colonic motility disorders, specialised investigations like dynamic defecography help in further management of ODS.