Neurogenic Bowel in Acute Rehabilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury: Impact of Laxatives and Opioids

Spinal cord injury can lead to neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), significantly impacting quality of life. This study examines how bowel function changes during acute rehabilitation after SCI, focusing on the use of laxatives and opioids. The study found that during acute rehabilitation, individuals with SCI experienced an increase in bowel movement frequency and a decrease in fecal incontinence. Additionally, the use of laxatives and opioids was reduced from admission to discharge. The research highlights the importance of managing laxative and opioid use during SCI rehabilitation. It suggests that while these medications are often necessary, they can have negative impacts on bowel function if not carefully monitored.

• 1
  There was an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and a decrease in the frequency of fecal incontinence from admission to discharge.
• 2
  The number of individuals using laxatives and the number of unique laxatives taken decreased between admission and discharge.
• 3
  There was a significant negative correlation between the average dose of opioids and the frequency of bowel movements at discharge, confirming the constipating effect of opioids.