Minimally invasive electrical rectal stimulation promotes bowel emptying in an individual with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2212335 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Individuals with spinal cord injuries often experience bowel dysfunction, impacting their health and quality of life. Digital rectal stimulation (DRS) is a common method to aid bowel emptying, but it can be time-consuming and potentially harmful. This study explores electrical rectal stimulation (ERS) as an alternative to DRS. ERS involves using a rectal probe to deliver electrical pulses, aiming to stimulate the bowel and facilitate emptying. The results suggest that ERS can effectively promote bowel emptying, potentially offering a more efficient and less caregiver-intensive option compared to traditional DRS.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

65-year-old male with a T4 AIS B SCI

Evidence Level

Case Study

Key Findings

1
ERS was associated with effective bowel emptying in the participant.
2
In 16 out of 17 sessions, a bowel movement was produced after only one cycle of ERS.
3
In 13 sessions, complete bowel emptying was achieved with 2 cycles of ERS.

Research Summary

This case study investigates the use of electrical rectal stimulation (ERS) as an alternative to digital rectal stimulation (DRS) for bowel management in an individual with a spinal cord injury. The results indicate that ERS was associated with effective bowel emptying, often requiring fewer cycles than the participant's typical DRS routine. The study suggests that ERS could be a feasible and potentially more efficient method for bowel management in individuals with SCI, warranting further investigation.

Practical Implications

Alternative to DRS

ERS may provide a less invasive and more efficient alternative to DRS for bowel management in individuals with SCI.

Improved Quality of Life

By reducing bowel management time and caregiver assistance, ERS could improve the quality of life for individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

Tool for Bowel Dysfunction Evaluation

ERS could be further explored as a tool to evaluate bowel dysfunction and refine bowel emptying techniques.