Effects of Lower Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation on Bowel Management in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2021 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.09.394 · Published: June 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to improve bowel management (BM) in people with spinal cord injuries. The primary goal was to see if using SCS, typically used to restore cough function, could also help with bowel movements. Five individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries received a surgically implanted SCS system. This system was used at home to stimulate expiratory muscles, with the aim of improving both cough and bowel function. The study found that SCS not only helped improve airway pressure (important for coughing) but also significantly reduced the time needed for bowel management routines. Participants also reported overall improvement in their bowel management.

Study Duration

21 Weeks

Participants

5 participants with cervical spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Clinical trial

Key Findings

1
SCS significantly reduced the time required for BM routines from 118±34 minutes to 18±2 minutes (p<0.05).
2
Mechanical methods for BM were completely eliminated in 4 out of 5 patients following the use of SCS.
3
Each participant reported marked overall improvement associated with BM with SCS.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on bowel management (BM) in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that SCS significantly reduced BM time, decreased the need for mechanical methods, and improved the overall subjective experience of BM for the participants. The results suggest that SCS to restore cough may be a useful method to improve BM and life quality for both SCI patients and their caregivers and is secondary to restoration of intra-abdominal pressure development.

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

Reduced bowel management time and decreased reliance on medications and mechanical methods can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Reduced Caregiver Burden

The decrease in bowel management time also eases the burden on caregivers, freeing up time for other activities and reducing stress.

Alternative to Colostomy

For individuals with constipation-predominant bowel dysfunction, SCS presents a potentially more acceptable alternative to colostomy placement.

Effects of Lower Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation on Bowel Management in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

Reduced Caregiver Burden

Alternative to Colostomy

Study Limitations

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Effects of Lower Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation on Bowel Management in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

Reduced Caregiver Burden

Alternative to Colostomy

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?