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Bowel Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury

  • Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract (S Rao, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To evaluate and report current evidence regarding the management of bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury. There is a paucity of high-quality large studies on which to base management advice.

Recent Findings

Recent research has focused on defining the nature of symptomatology of bowel dysfunction in SCI and describing the effects on quality of life and social interactions. Technical aspects of colonoscopy have received attention, and aspects of understanding the pathophysiology in relation to both neural and non-neural dysfunction have been studied. There has been refinement and expansion of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for bowel dysfunction in SCI.

Summary

Management of bowel dysfunction in SCI requires a comprehensive and individualized approach, encompassing lifestyle, toileting routine, stimulation, diet, medications, and surgery. Further high-quality research is required to inform best practice.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurogastroenterology Unit and Department of Gastroenterology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Road, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia

    Zhengyan Qi & Allison Malcolm

  2. The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Zhengyan Qi & Allison Malcolm

  3. John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    James W Middleton

  4. Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Level 12, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia

    James W Middleton

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  1. Zhengyan Qi
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  2. James W Middleton
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Correspondence to Allison Malcolm.

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James Middleton and Zhenguan Qi declare no conflict of interest. Allison Malcolm reports grants from National Health and Medical Council of Australia, during the conduct of the study and personal fees as a consultant from Allergon Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work.

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This article is part of Topical Collection on Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

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Qi, Z., Middleton, J.W. & Malcolm, A. Bowel Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 20, 47 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-018-0655-4

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