Outcomes of bowel program in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction

Neural Regeneration Research, 2015 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.160112 · Published: July 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) results from the absence of nervous control over the colon, leading to issues like constipation and incontinence, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Bowel programs aim to establish regular bowel movements, prevent incontinence, minimize complications, and enhance social participation through diet, exercise, medication, and bowel care techniques. An individually tailored bowel program initiated soon after the injury is crucial for preventing short-term and long-term complications associated with NBD.

Study Duration

March 2006 and September 2008

Participants

55 spinal cord injury patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found that 80% of patients experienced at least one gastrointestinal problem before the bowel program, with constipation and incontinence being the most prevalent issues.
2
Following the bowel program, there was a significant reduction in the rates of constipation, difficult intestinal evacuation, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain.
3
The neurogenic bowel dysfunction score decreased after the bowel program, indicating a reduction in the severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

Research Summary

This study investigated the efficacy of a bowel program on gastrointestinal (GIS) problems and the severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The results showed that a significant number of patients experienced GIS problems, particularly constipation and incontinence, before the implementation of a bowel program. The bowel program led to a notable decrease in GIS problems and improved NBD scores, indicating its effectiveness in managing bowel dysfunction in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Personalized Bowel Management

Healthcare providers should develop individualized bowel programs tailored to the specific needs of SCI patients to manage NBD effectively.

Early Intervention

Initiating bowel programs early after spinal cord injury can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Care Approach

A holistic approach involving diet, medication, and specific bowel care techniques is essential for successful bowel management.

Study Limitations

1
The study design is not specified; knowing if it was a controlled trial is important for interpreting the results.
2
The sample size of 55 patients may limit the generalizability of the findings.
3
The study duration of 42.3 ± 17.0 days for follow-up may not be sufficient to assess the long-term effects of the bowel program.

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