Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Urology

Background:

• Primary neurologic conditions frequently lead to sensory and/or motor control loss, causing urinary and bowel dysfunction.
• Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) commonly presents as constipation and fecal incontinence.
• NBD management is less studied than neurogenic bladder dysfunction, despite their frequent co-occurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of a multifaceted bowel regimen in conservative management.
• To emphasize the need for ongoing assessment for potential invasive interventions.
• To underscore the urologist's role in managing NBD alongside bladder dysfunction and the interconnectedness of treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical understanding and management principles for neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
• Emphasis on conservative, multifaceted bowel regimens as a cornerstone of care.
• Discussion of the clinical role of urologists in addressing both bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Main Results:

• A multifaceted bowel regimen is the cornerstone of conservative NBD management.
• Continuous assessment is vital to identify the need for more invasive interventions.
• Treatment of bladder dysfunction often impacts bowel function, and vice versa.

Conclusions:

• Integrated and comprehensive care guidelines are needed for patients with NBD.
• Urologists play a key role in managing NBD, often in conjunction with bladder dysfunction.
• Further research and standardized follow-up protocols are essential for optimal patient outcomes.