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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

In Vitro Characterization of the Electrophysiological Properties of Colonic Afferent Fibers in Rats
Published on: September 27, 2017
Neurogenic colorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction
Klaus Krogh1, Peter Christensen
1Neurogastroenterology Unit, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology V, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. klaukrog@rm.dk
Abstract:
Constipation and faecal incontinence are common symptoms among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), myelomeningocoele (MMC), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke. Faecal incontinence in SCI, MMC and MS is mainly due to abnormal rectosigmoid compliance and rectoanal reflexes, loss of rectoanal sensibility and loss of voluntary control of the external anal sphincter. Constipation in SCI, MMC and MS is probably due to immobilisation, abnormal colonic contractility, tone and rectoanal reflexes or side effects from medication. In PD, dystonia of the external anal sphincter causes difficult rectal evacuation and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the enteric nervous system probably causes slow-transit constipation. Changes after stroke remain to be studied. Though dietary adjustments, oral laxatives, suppositories and other conservative treatment modalities are commonly used, evidence for their use in patients with central neurological disorders is scarce. For patients with severe symptoms trans-anal irrigation, the Malone appendicostomy or a colostomy can be recommended.
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