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

Abstract

Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs colorectal movement, transit time, and complete evacuation at defecation. Incontinence has been documented to affect quality of life across the globe in different proportions. Bowel management has been recognized as a key factor in SCI patients' participation in the society and leading a satisfactory life. Limited information on bowel management in SCI patients drove us to study the demographic profile and bowel management in a group of chronic SCI patients at a tertiary care rehabilitation center. Methods A total of 42 adults (age: 18-60 years) with SCI and duration > 12 months were enrolled. Patients were evaluated with a semi-structured questionnaire containing both open and closed questions. Data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 10. Results Most (52.4%) of the patients were manual laborers (85.7% males). Mean age was 37.6 ± 11 years. The injury level was predominantly thoracic level (69%). Only eight (19%) patients had fecal incontinence; 21(50%) patients used suppository and only six patients were using laxatives. Impacted stool was the most common complication followed by hemorrhoids. Conclusion Young paraplegics is the most common age group affected by SCI. Most of the patients managed their bowel well conservatively with good adherence to bowel rehabilitation program. The study findings emphasize on patient-centric bowel management in SCI patients to reduce the impact on quality of life and minimize complications.

Keywords: constipation; faecal incontinence; neurogenic bowel; paraplegia; suppositories.