Bowel dysfunction in spinal-cord-injury patients

Abstract

Background. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, nature, and effects - both physical and psychological - of spinal-cord-injury (SCI) on bowel function. Methods. 115 consecutive hospital outpatients (89 male, median age 38 years) with chronic SCI (median duration 62 months, range 9-491 months, 48% cervical, 47% thoracic, 5% lumbar) completed a questionnaire about pre and post injury bowel function, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and self assessment of the impact of their disabilities and symptoms. Findings. Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and faecal incontinence were all much more common (p < 0.0001) after SCI. 95% of patients required at least one therapeutic met..