Treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction using transanal irrigation: a multicenter Italian study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology

Background:

• Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) significantly impacts patient quality of life (QoL).
• Existing treatments for NBD often yield unsatisfactory results, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Peristeen Anal Irrigation in managing NBD.
• To assess the impact of Peristeen Anal Irrigation on patient quality of life (QoL).

Main Methods:

• A 3-week transanal irrigation treatment using the Peristeen system was administered to 36 patients with NBD.
• Patient data including lesion level, ambulatory status, and hand functionality were recorded.
• NBD symptoms and QoL were assessed pre- and post-treatment using validated questionnaires; statistical analysis included McNemar and Sign Tests.

Main Results:

• 32 out of 36 patients completed the study, with 68% success in fecal incontinence and 63% in constipation.
• Significant improvements were observed in intestinal functionality (P=0.001), QoL scores (P=0.001), and patient satisfaction (P=0.001).
• A notable reduction in pharmaceutical use (28.6%) and caregiver dependency (24 patients) was reported.

Conclusions:

• Peristeen Anal Irrigation is an effective and simple therapeutic method for managing NBD.
• The treatment significantly improves patient QoL and should be considered a primary treatment option for NBD.
• Its role in NBD management is comparable to intermittent clean catheterization for bladder dysfunction.