Systematic review of the relationship between bladder and bowel function: implications for patient management

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The complex interplay between bladder and bowel function is crucial for managing pelvic disorders.
• Coexisting constipation and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms present a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the relationship between bladder and bowel function.
• To discuss the implications of this relationship for managing coexisting constipation and OAB.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed articles (1990-2011).
• Searched using keywords: bladder, bowel, crosstalk, OAB, constipation, etc.
• Articles selected based on relevance to bladder-bowel interactions.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports bladder-bowel cross-sensitization (crosstalk) in animal and human studies.
• Bowel distention impacts bladder activity and vice versa.
• Constipation can cause lower urinary tract symptoms, including OAB, and OAB treatments can worsen constipation.

Conclusions:

• The bladder-bowel relationship is clinically significant and must be considered in patients with urinary or bowel symptoms.
• Addressing constipation is a key initial step in managing coexisting constipation and OAB.