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Bowel dysfunction in spinal-cord-injury patients
1Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 15, 1996
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts bowel function, causing common issues like incontinence and constipation. These bowel problems cause distress and are a major physical and psychological challenge for SCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently leads to significant alterations in bowel function.
- The physical and psychological effects of SCI on bowel management are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and nature of bowel function changes after SCI.
- To assess the physical and psychological effects of these bowel function changes.
Main Methods:
- 115 adult outpatients with chronic SCI completed questionnaires.
- Assessed pre- and post-injury bowel function, anxiety, and depression (HADS).
- Patients self-assessed the impact of SCI and associated symptoms.
Main Results:
- SCI significantly increased nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fecal incontinence (p<0.0001).
- 95% required therapeutic methods for defecation; 50% depended on others for toileting.
- Bowel dysfunction caused distress in 54%, correlated with incontinence and time for management (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Bowel dysfunction is a prevalent and significant issue following spinal cord injury.
- It presents major physical and psychological challenges for affected individuals.