Bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury

Study design: Review.Objectives: To outline the present knowledge of bowel dysfunction following spinal injury, and look at future directions of management and research.Setting: Spinal Unit and Colorectal Unit, Christchurch, New Zealand.Methodology: Review.Results: The underlying physiology of colorectal motility and defecation is reviewed, and consequences of spinal cord injury on defecation are reported. A discussion of present management techniques is undertaken and new directions in management and research are suggested.Conclusion: There is need for more intervention in regard to bowel function that could improve quality of life, but there is also a need for more research in this area.Sponsorship: Dr AC Lynch is a holder of a Royal Australian College of Surgeons Foundation Research Scholarship and the research has been supported by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, and the Burwood International Spinal Trust.Spinal Cord (2001) 39, 193–203.

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