Bowel Management in Patients With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Cureus, 2022 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25893 · Published: June 13, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs colorectal movement, transit time, and complete evacuation at defecation. Bowel management has been recognized as a key factor in SCI patients’ participation in the society and leading a satisfactory life. The study findings emphasize on patient-centric bowel management in SCI patients to reduce the impact on quality of life and minimize complications.

Study Duration

June 2009 to February 2011

Participants

42 adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Most (52.4%) of the patients were manual laborers (85.7% males).
2
The injury level was predominantly thoracic level (69%).
3
Only eight (19%) patients had fecal incontinence; 21(50%) patients used suppository and only six patients were using laxatives.

Research Summary

This study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, India, from June 2009 to February 2011. The study findings emphasize on patient-centric bowel management in SCI patients to reduce the impact on quality of life and minimize complications. This study signifies that promotion of adherence to bowel rehabilitation practices and decreased use of laxatives can achieve reduced events of unplanned bowel evacuations even in developing countries like India.

Practical Implications

Individualized Bowel Programs

Physiatrists should develop individualized bowel programs for SCI patients considering the injury, dependency, and individual aspirations.

Adherence to Rehabilitation

Promotion of adherence to bowel rehabilitation practices can reduce unplanned bowel evacuations.

Accessibility to Rehabilitation

Early exposure to rehabilitation by making rehabilitation facilities accessible to SCI patients can result in good outcomes.

Bowel Management in Patients With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Individualized Bowel Programs

Adherence to Rehabilitation

Accessibility to Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Bowel Management in Patients With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Individualized Bowel Programs

Adherence to Rehabilitation

Accessibility to Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?