Does intravesical electrostimulation improve neurogenic constipation? A case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Cauda equina syndrome can lead to significant bladder and bowel dysfunction.
• Impaired bladder emptying is a common complication requiring intervention.
• Constipation is a frequent and debilitating symptom in patients with neurological deficits.

Observation:

• An elderly patient with incomplete cauda equina syndrome received intravesical electrostimulation (IVES) for urinary retention.
• The treatment involved 20 daily sessions of IVES.
• Post-treatment assessment included cistometrography to evaluate bladder function.

Findings:

• IVES treatment resulted in a normalized urinary pattern, improving bladder emptying.
• The patient experienced a significant and unexpected improvement in constipation, with the Wexner score decreasing from 22 to 4.
• This suggests a potential dual benefit of IVES for both urinary and bowel dysfunction.

Implications:

• Intravesical electrostimulation (IVES) presents a viable, less invasive option for managing constipation secondary to spinal and peripheral nerve lesions.
• IVES may offer a novel therapeutic approach for neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of IVES in treating constipation in neurological conditions.