Bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury
A C Lynch1, A Antony, B R Dobbs
1Spinal Injuries Unit, Burwood Hospital, Department of Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Study Design:
Review.
Objectives:
To outline the present knowledge of bowel dysfunction following spinal injury, and look at future directions of management and research.
Setting:
Spinal Unit and Colorectal Unit, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Methodology:
Review.
Results:
The underlying physiology of colorectal motility and defecation is reviewed, and consequences of spinal cord injury on defecation are reported. A discussion of present management techniques is undertaken and new directions in management and research are suggested.
Conclusion:
There is need for more intervention in regard to bowel function that could improve quality of life, but there is also a need for more research in this area.
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