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

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.

• 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.