Outcome Of Transanal Irrigation For Bowel Dysfunction 1N Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Background/Objective: To compare symptoms of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) at baseline and after 10 weeks of treatment with transanal irrigation and to identify possible factors that could predict outcome of the treatment.

Methods: Sixty-two patients with SCI (45 men and 17 women; mean age, 47.5 ± 15.5 [SD] years) from 5 specialized European SCI centers were offered treatment with transanal irrigation for a 10-week period. Bowel function was assessed at baseline and at termination using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Scoring System (CCCSS; 0–30, 30 = severe symptoms), St. Mark's Fecal Incontinence Grading System (FIGS; 0-24, 24 = severe symptoms), and the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD; 0–47, 47 severe symptoms). Factors predicting improvement in bowel function scores were identified using a general linear model.

Results: Severity of symptoms at termination was significantly reduced compared with baseline values (CCCSS: ?3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], ?4.6 to ?2.2; FIGS: ?4.1; 95% Cl, ?5.2 to ?2.9; NBD: ?4.5; 95% Cl, ?6.6 to ?2.4; all P < 0.0001). Although several factors were associated with positive outcome, no consistent and readily explainable pattern could be identified. Surprisingly, hand function, level of dependency, predominant symptom, and colonic transit time were not associated with outcome.

Conclusions: Transanal irrigation in patients with SCI reduces constipation, improves anal continence, and improves symptom-related quality of life. No readily obtainable factors could predict outcome, which might be because of the relatively low number of patients. This supports the use of trial and error as a strategy in deciding on a bowel management method for neurogenic bowel dysfunction.     

脊髓损伤伴神经源性肠功能障碍患者肠道管理最佳证据总结

目的 总结脊髓损伤伴神经源性肠功能障碍患者肠道管理的最佳证据,为改善患者肠道功能提供依据。方法 检索国内外相关循证资源网站及数据库中关于脊髓损伤肠道功能障碍患者肠道管理证据。对纳入文献进行方法学质量评价和证据提取。结果 共纳入17篇文献,其中指南7篇、专家共识5篇、系统评价3篇、随机对照试验2篇。总结了关于肠道功能评估方法、评估量表、健康教育、饮食干预、药物干预、行为干预及手术干预7个方面的26条证据。结论 脊髓损伤伴神经源性肠功能障碍患者最佳证据可为临床医护人员评估患者肠道功能及采取干预措施提供依据,实际应用中应结合临床实际情况和患者需求选择证据。     

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Clinical management recommendations of the Neurologic Incontinence Committee of the Fifth International Consultation on Incontinence 2013

Background

Evidence‐based guidelines for the management of neurological disease and lower bowel dysfunction have been produced by the International Consultations on Incontinence (ICI). These are comprehensive guidelines, and were developed to have world‐wide relevance.

Aims

To update clinical management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction from the recommendations of the 4th ICI, 2009.

Materials and Methods

A series of evidence reviews and updates were performed by members of the working group. The resulting guidelines were presented at the 2012 meeting of the European Association of Urology for consultation, and modifications applied to deliver evidence based conclusions and recommendations for the scientific report of the 5th edition of the ICI in 2013.

Results

The current review is a synthesis of the conclusions and recommendations, including the algorithms for initial and specialized management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The pathophysiology is described in terms of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Assessment requires detailed history and clinical assessment, general investigations, and specialized testing, if required. Treatment primarily focuses on optimizing stool consistency and regulating bowel evacuation to improve quality of life. Symptom management covers conservative and interventional measures to promote good habits and assist stool evacuation, along with prevention of incontinence. Education is essential to achieving optimal bowel management.

Discussion

The review offers a pragmatic approach to management in the context of complex pathophysiology and varied evidence base.     

Intestinal diversion (colostomy or ileostomy) in patients with severe bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects motor and sensory nervous integrity resulting in paralysis of lower or both upper and lower extremities, as well as autonomic nervous system function resulting in neurogenic bowel. SCI leads to diminished or lost sensations of the need to defecate or inability to distinguish the presence of gas versus liquid versus solid stool in the rectal vault. Sensory loss, incomplete evacuation of stool from the rectal vault, immobility, and reduced anal sphincter tone increase the risk of fecal incontinence. Gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with depression, anxiety, and significant impairments in quality of life (QOL) in a significant portion of persons with SCI. OBJECTIVES: 1. To compare clinical, functional, or quality of life outcomes in spinal cord injured patients with gastrointestinal symptoms managed by conservative measures versus intestinal diversion (colostomy or ileostomy). 2. To identify complications associated with ostomy surgery in patients with bowel dysfunction and SCI. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic review of electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL (from January 1960 to November 2007) was undertaken using the following key words: (1) ostomy, (2) stoma, (3) colostomy, and (4) ileostomy. Boolean features of these databases were used to combine these terms with the key word "spinal cord injuries." Prospective and retrospective studies that directly compared clinical, functional, QOL outcomes or satisfaction among patients with intestinal diversions to patients managed by conservative means were included. RESULTS: Creation of an ostomy in selected patients provides equivocal or superior QOL outcomes when compared to conservative bowel management strategies. Both colostomy and ileostomy surgery significantly reduce the amount of time required for bowel management. Patients who undergo ostomy surgery tend to be satisfied with their surgery, and a significant portion report a desire to be counseled about this option earlier. There are no clear advantages when functional, clinical, or QOL outcomes associated with colostomy are compared to those seen in SCI patients undergoing ileostomy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: 1. The WOC nurse plays a pivotal role in both conservative bowel management and the decision to undergo ostomy surgery. 2. Preoperative stoma site marking is vital for the best surgical outcome. 3. The system best suited to an individual is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to stoma location, type of effluent, peristomal plane and contours, and the individual's capabilities and preferences. 4. Some individuals with a sigmoid or descending colostomy may benefit from colostomy irrigation as a management method. 5. Postoperatively, assessment of pressure points for signs of tissue breakdown, evaluation of treatment methods for existing pressure ulcers with suitable modification, and support surface assessment should be included in ongoing annual follow-up visits.     

Optimal treatment for severe neurogenic bowel dysfunction after chronic spinal cord injury: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND: When conservative management fails in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic bowel dysfunction, clinicians have to choose from a variety of treatment options which include colostomy, ileostomy, Malone anterograde continence enema (MACE) and sacral anterior root stimulator (SARS) implantation. This study employed a decision analysis to examine the optimal treatment for bowel management of young individuals with chronic refractory constipation in the setting of chronic SCI. METHODS: A decision analysis was created to compare the four surgical strategies using baseline analysis, one-way and two-way sensitivity analyses, 'worst scenario' and 'best scenario' sensitivity analyses, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) was the primary outcome. RESULTS: The baseline analysis indicated that patients who underwent the MACE procedure had the highest QALE value compared with the other interventions. Sensitivity analyses showed that these results were robust. CONCLUSION: The MACE procedure may provide the best long-term outcome in terms of the probability of improving bowel function, reducing complication rates and the incidence of autonomic dysreflexia, and being congruent with patients' preferences. The analysis was sensitive to changes in assumptions about quality of life/utility, and thus the results could change if more specific estimates of utility became available.     

Bladder and bowel management for the child with spinal cord dysfunction

Bladder and bowel management can be a challenge to adults and children with spinal cord dysfunction. Children are especially challenging due to their everchanging growth and developmental considerations. Bladder/bowel incontinence can bring about teasing from a child's peers and lead to social isolation. The achievement of continence is a major developmental landmark in the formation of social autonomy in children. Providing education and implementation of bladder/bowel management programs is essential for a child with neurogenic bladder/bowel. This article provides a general overview of common bladder and bowel management options for children with spinal cord dysfunction. Both traditional and innovative management options for the bladder and bowel will be described. Age-appropriate expectations and factors to assess child readiness as well as patient and family educational strategies to promote independence when implementing bladder and bowel programs are described.     

Transurethral prostate resection,noncontact laser therapy or conservative management in men with symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement? An economic evaluation

PURPOSE: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of noncontact laser therapy compared with transurethral prostate resection and conservative treatment in men with symptoms associated with benign prostatic enlargement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 340 men with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms participated in a large multicenter pragmatic randomized trial called the CLasP (Conservative management, Laser therapy, transurethral resection of the Prostate) study. Costs to the United Kingdom National Health Service and patients were determined from the time of randomization to the 7.5-month followup. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios using conservative management as the base case were calculated for certain trial outcomes, including International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), I-PSS quality of life score, maximum urinary flow, post-void residual urine volume, quality adjusted life-years and a composite measure of success based on I-PSS and maximum urinary flow. One-way sensitivity analysis of the basic costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were done from the NHS viewpoint. RESULTS: Mean costs per patient were greatest for noncontact laser therapy and least for conservative management. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios showed that transurethral prostate resection was more cost-effective than noncontact laser treatment for all primary trial outcomes. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of transurethral prostate resection compared with conservative management were pound 81 per unit decrease in the I-PSS score and pound 1,338 per additional successful case per 100 patients. Sensitivity analysis showed that the initial results were robust. CONCLUSIONS: Noncontact laser was the mostly costly treatment option. Transurethral prostate resection was more cost-effective than noncontact laser therapy in terms of symptomatic improvement. In men wishing to delay treatment conservative treatment appears to provide a cost-effective alternative in the short term.     

Treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction using transanal irrigation: a multicenter Italian study

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six patients with unsatisfactory treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunctions (NBD) were enrolled from Spinal Units and Rehabilitation Centers in Italy. Treatment was for 3 weeks using a newly developed integrated system with an enema continence catheter for transanal irrigation (Peristeen, Coloplast A/S Kokkedal Denmark). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Peristeen Anal Irrigation on NBD and patient quality of life (QoL). SETTING: Italy. METHODS: Lesion level, ambulatory status and hand functionality were determined in all patients. NBD symptoms and QoL were evaluated before and after treatment, using a specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar Test and Sign Test. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 32 patients completed the study. At the end of the treatment, 28.6% of patients reduced or eliminated their use of pharmaceuticals. Twenty-four patients became less dependent on their caregiver. There was a significant increase in patients' opinion of their intestinal functionality (P=0.001), QoL score (P=0.001) and their answers regarding their degree of satisfaction (P=0.001). A successful outcome was recorded for 68% of patients with fecal incontinence, and for 63% of patients with constipation. CONCLUSION: Peristeen Anal Irrigation is a simple therapeutic method for managing NBD and improving QoL. It should be considered as the treatment of choice for NBD, playing a role in the neurogenic bowel analogous to that of intermittent clean catheterization in bladder treatment.     

Social and personal consequences of acquired bowel dysfunction for persons with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: Traditional literature regarding acquired bowel dysfunction for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) has focused on clinical assessments of bowel dysfunction and bowel management programs. These studies make reference to the effects of bowel dysfunction on quality of life (QOL), but none systematically study the relationship. This study develops 4 scales that measure impediment to community integration (ICI) due to bowel dysfunction and then examines the relationship between bowel dysfunction, ICI, and QOL. METHODS: A structured telephone survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 103 SCI consumers. Survey questions documented bowel dysfunction (ie, severity and number of accidents), bowel management (ie, how often bowels are evacuated), ICI, and satisfaction with 4 life domains. RESULTS: Correlation analyses showed that subjective bowel dysfunction severity and number of days per month a respondent had to stay home because of lack of bowel control were associated with barriers to personal relationships, feelings about self, and home life. Also, the number of bowel accidents per month was associated with feelings about self. ICI scales were shown to be related to lower levels of satisfaction with free time, friendships, family life, and life in general. No statistically significant relationships were found between bowel dysfunction and satisfaction with life. CONCLUSION: Bowel dysfunction is a barrier to community integration and is related to low levels of life satisfaction. Also, it is possible to quantify ICI related to bowel dysfunction. Educational programs can reduce the stigma associated with bowel dysfunction. Further research into the intricate relationships between bowel problems, barriers to participation in the community, and life satisfaction is needed.     

Digital rectal stimulation as an intervention in persons with spinal cord injury and upper motor neuron neurogenic bowel. An evidenced-based systematic review of the literature

Context: Need for evidential support of practice guideline recommendations for management of neurogenic bowel management in adults with spinal cord injury.Objective: To determine evidence for digital rectal stimulation (DRS) as an intervention in the management of upper motor neuron neurogenic bowels (UMN-NB) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: A systematic review of the literature including research articles and practice guidelines evaluating upper motor neuron neurogenic bowel treatments and the use of digital rectal stimulation was performed using OvidMedline, PubMed and the Cochrane database and included research articles and practice guidelines. Limitations were made related to English language, patient age and focus on spinal cord injured patients. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing evidence-based practice model.Results: Eleven articles were included in the systematic review. Only one used DRS as a primary intervention. There was moderate evidence for DRS in persons with SCI and UMN-NB. There was evidence of the physiologic effect of DRS and support for combining DRS with other treatment regimens.Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to promote any one intervention for the management of UMN-NB. The promotion of DRS, and education as to the proper technique for DRS should remain an emphasis of education of home management of UMN-NB in persons with SCI. Future research should focus on the use of standardized, validated tools to evaluate management techniques for UMN-NB.     

The Malone antegrade continence enema combined with urinary diversion in adult neurogenic patients: early results

Objectives. Patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction often have coexisting neurogenic bowel problems. Impaired bowel evacuation is a cause of major morbidity and impaired lifestyle for these patients. The Malone antegrade continence enema (ACE) performed synchronously with a urinary continence procedure has been successful in pediatric patients. We report early experience combining the ACE with a urinary continence procedure in adult neurogenic patients.Methods. Adult patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction and impaired bowel evacuation refractory to conservative management underwent a urinary continence procedure synchronously with an ACE.Results. Two patients have undergone the procedure. One patient chose a continent catheterizable supravesical bladder augmentation, whereas the other patient chose an ileal conduit. Both patients had a separate appendiceal stoma for their ACE. Both patients are continent of stool at their appendiceal stoma and per rectum. Both patients have stabilized their urinary tracts. Complications were minimal.Conclusions. The ACE may benefit adult patients with impaired bowel evacuation and may be combined with a urinary continence procedure. Further study of the ACE is warranted.     

Conservative treatment of the neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injured patients.

Different conservative treatment modalities for the lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with spinal cord lesion are reviewed. Conservative treatment is still the mainstay of the urological management in these patients. Growing experience has changed the classical approach. Spontaneous voiding with and without triggered voiding and/or bladder expression has proven to be less safe except in well defined patients with regular urological follow-up. Nowadays, intermittent catheterisation and self catheterisation with and without bladder relaxants are accepted as the methods of choice. Condom catheters are still needed if incontinence persists, while penile clamps have no place in the treatment of patients with spinal cord lesions. Long-term indwelling catheters should be avoided. External electrical stimulation can be used to correct the neurogenic dysfunction by neuromodulation and/or to induce a direct therapeutic response in the lower urinary tract.     

Social And Personal Consequences Of Acquired Bowel Dysfunction For Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background: Traditional literature regarding acquired bowel dysfunction for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) has focused on clinical assessments of bowel dysfunction and bowel management programs. These studies make reference to the effects of bowel dysfunction on quality of life (QOL), but none systematically study the relationship. This study develops 4 scales that measure impediment to community integration (ICI) due to bowel dysfunction and then examines the relationship between bowel dysfunction, ICI, and QOL.

Methods: A structured telephone survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 103 SCI consumers. Survey questions documented bowel dysfunction (ie, severity and number of accidents), bowel management (ie, how often bowels are evacuated), ICI , and satisfaction with 4 life domains.

Results: Correlation analyses showed that subjective bowel dysfunction severity and number of days per month a respondent had to stay home because of lack of bowel control were associated with barriers to personal relationships, feelings about self, and home life. Also, the number of bowel accidents per month was associated with feelings about self. ICI scales were shown to be related to lower levels of satisfaction with free time, friendships. family life, and life in general. No statistically significant relationships were found between bowel dysfunction and satisfaction with life.

Conclusion: Bowel dysfunction is a barrier to community integration and is related to low leve ls of life satisfaction. Also , it is possible to quantify ICI related to bowel dysfunction. Educational programs can reduce the stigma associated with bowel dysfunction. Further research into the intricate relationships between bowel problems, barriers to participation in the community, and life satisfaction is needed.     

The Cochrane review of surgery for lumbar disc prolapse and degenerative lumbar spondylosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials. OBJECTIVES: To collate the scientific evidence on surgical management for lumbar-disc prolapse and degenerative lumbar spondylosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical investigations and interventions account for as much as one third of the health care costs for spinal disorders, but the scientific evidence for most procedures still is unclear. METHODS: A highly sensitive search strategy identified all published randomized controlled trials. Cochrane methodology was used for meta-analysis of the results. RESULTS: Twenty-six randomized controlled trials of surgery for lumbar disc prolapse and 14 trials of surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylosis were identified. Methodologic weaknesses were found in many of the trials. Only one trial directly compared discectomy and conservative management. Meta-analyses showed that surgical discectomy produces better clinical outcomes than chemonucleolysis, which is better than placebo. Three trials showed no difference in clinical outcomes between microdiscectomy and standard discectomy, but in three other studies, both produced better results than percutaneous discectomy. Three trials showed that inserting an interposition membrane after discectomy does not significantly reduce scar formation or alter clinical outcomes. Five heterogeneous trials on spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis permit very limited conclusions. There were nine trials of instrumented versus noninstrumented fusion: Meta-analysis showed that instrumentation may facilitate fusion but does not improve clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is now strong evidence on the relative effectiveness of surgical discectomy versus chemonucleolysis versus placebo. There is considerable evidence on the clinical effectiveness of discectomy for carefully selected patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc prolapse that fails to resolve with conservative management. There is no scientific evidence on the effectiveness of any form of surgical decompression or fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylosis compared with natural history, placebo, or conservative management. The Cochrane reviews will be updated continuously as other trials become available.     

The Role of Neuromodulation in Patients with Neurogenic Overactive Bladder

To review the treatment options for patients with neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB), specifically the use of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). A search was performed on the available literature on SNM and lower urinary tract dysfunction. Based on published studies available and also on personal experience, the treatment options for neurogenic OAB are reviewed, and specifically, the role for SNM in these patients is discussed. SNM is FDA-approved for patients with urge incontinence, urgency/frequency, and non-obstructive urinary retention. It involves stimulation of the third sacral nerve with an electrode implanted in the sacral foramen and connected to a pulse generator. The procedure is minimally invasive and is effective in about 70?% of patients who have a permanent system. The original trials leading to the approval of SNM excluded patients with neurogenic disease, as it was felt that intact spinal pathways were necessary for neuromodulation to occur. However, similar success rates have been observed in patients with neurogenic OAB. Special considerations for SNM use in patients with neurogenic OAB include recognizing that it is incompatible for patients who will need MRI's due to their progressive neurologic disease. Many treatment options are available for patients with neurogenic OAB. First-line approaches remain conservative with lifestyle changes and anticholinergic medications. SNM has been used successfully in this patient population with good results, though larger randomized trials are lacking.     

Long-term urodynamics followup of bladder augmentation for neurogenic bladder

PURPOSE: Augmentation enterocystoplasty is well tolerated by patients with neurogenic bladder in whom conservative therapy has failed. However, few studies exist on long-term urodynamic evaluation of these patients. We assessed the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of patients with neurogenic bladder treated with augmentation enterocystoplasty with at least 4 years of followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction underwent augmentation enterocystoplasty alone or in conjunction with various continence or antireflux techniques. Clinical outcomes regarding incontinence, medications, catheterization schedule, subsequent interventions, bowel function and patient satisfaction were addressed. Urodynamic evaluation was performed to assess the long-term durability of bladder augmentation. RESULTS: Mean followup was 8.0 years (range 4 to 13). All but 1 patient (96%) in our series had near or complete resolution of urinary incontinence. Mean total bladder capacity +/- SD increased from 201 +/- 106 to 615 +/- 204 ml. (p <0.001) and mean maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 81 +/- 43 to 20 +/- 12 cm. H O (p <0.01). Mean interval between catheterizations was 5 hours, with volumes ranging from 314 to 743 ml. Only 2 patients (8%) needed a low dose of oxybutynin postoperatively to maintain continence consistently. Of the 26 patients 23 (88%) reported no significant change in bowel function and nearly all patients expressed extreme satisfaction with urological management. A subsequent urological procedure was required in 12 patients (46%) at a mean of 4.4 years after initial surgery.(2)CONCLUSIONS: Bladder augmentation provides durable clinical and urodynamic improvement for patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction refractory to conservative therapy. Furthermore, there is a high level of patient satisfaction with bladder augmentation.     

Swenson revisited: a one-stage,transanal pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease

Background: Hirschsprung’s disease is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. A variety of operations have been used to treat this neurogenic form of bowel obstruction. This report describes an experience with a 1-stage abdominal and transanal pull-through operation in 15 patients with rectosigmoid disease.Methods: Fifteen infants with Hirschsprung’s disease included 11 boys and 4 girls. Median age at diagnosis was 3 days, and median age of operation was 30 days. Diagnosis was confirmed by rectal biopsy. Biopsies to confirm the transition zone were performed intraabdominally through a left lower quadrent incision. A Swenson pull-through was performed via transanal dissection.Results: There were no instances of anastomotic leaks, wound infections or postoperative bowel obstructions. All patients survived. Two had postoperative enterocolitis. Twelve of 15 patients did well and had 2-3 bowel motions per day. One with Down’s syndrome had enterocolitis and required a colostomy. Two were lost to follow up.Conclusions: A one-stage transanal pull-through procedure in infancy is a safe alternative to staged procedures for Hirschsprung’s disease.     

Laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent trend in the use of laparoscopic-assisted one-stage pull-through in the management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). We describe our initial experience using laparoscopy with a transanal coloanal anastomosis as described by Rintala and Lindhal for HD. METHODS: Six children with biopsy-confirmed HD underwent laparoscopic-assisted pull-through using Rintala's transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis. The procedure was done through one 5-mm camera port and two 5-mm working ports. The transition zone was identified by seromuscular biopsies obtained laparoscopically. The sigmoid colon and proximal rectum were mobilized laparoscopically. A transanal endorectal mucosal dissection and a coloanal anastomosis were done, using an absorbable monofilament 5/0 polyglyconate suture. RESULTS: Six children aged 4 weeks to 36 months underwent this procedure laparoscopically. Two cases had to be converted to an open procedure as a result of dense pelvic adhesions. The entire mobilization of the bowel as well as biopsy confirmation of the transition zone was done laparoscopically in all 6 cases. The median operative time was 135 minutes (range, 120-240 minutes). All 6 children tolerated full enteral feeds after 48 hours and the median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6-10 days). There were no early postoperative complications. Two cases developed mild enterocolitis that resolved with conservative management. The overall functional outcome was good in all cases with no soiling, stool incontinence, or constipation at a median follow-up period of 12 months (range, 4-27 months). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted pull-through, apart from being cosmetically superior, permits obtaining biopsies as well as an adequate mobilization of the bowel. The transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis technique is simple and easy to perform, with a minimal dissection which causes less damage to the internal sphincter and pelvic nerves.     

A comparison of bowel care patterns in patients with spinal cord injury: upper motor neuron bowel vs lower motor neuron bowel.

STUDY DESIGN: A face-to-face interview survey. OBJECTIVE: To compare bowel care patterns in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients based on type of neurogenic bowel. SETTING: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a tertiary university hospital in Suwon, Korea. METHODS: Among chronic SCI patients, 22 patients with upper motor neuron bowel (UMNB) and 20 patients with lower motor neuron bowel (LMNB) participated in an interview survey for the evaluation of bowel care patterns. RESULTS: The patients with LMNB demonstrated increased frequency of defecation, increased frequency of fecal incontinence, increased use of oral medications for bowel care, increased required time for defecation and more diet modification than those with UMNB (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the subjective difficulty of bowel care. Among several available bowel care methods, suppositories were used most frequently by the UMNB group, whereas the Valsalva maneuver was the most frequently used method by the LMNB group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LMNB tend to suffer more difficulties in management of their neurogenic bowel than those with UMNB. Therefore, more intensive and aggressive bowel care programs should be provided for SCI patients with LMNB.     

神经源性肠道功能障碍患者基于Team STEPPS的出院准备

目的 探讨脊髓损伤致神经源性肠道功能障碍患者基于Team STEPPS出院准备的实施效果.方法 将78例脊髓损伤致神经源性肠道功能障碍患者按照住院时间顺序分为对照组和观察组各39例;对照组实施常规出院准备,观察组实施基于Team STEPPS的出院准备.结果 观察组出院准备度及出院指导质量得分除需要的内容维度外,总分和...