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Colorectal dysfunction and faecal incontinence in children with spina bifida
Author(s) -
Ponticelli A.,
Iacobelli B.D.,
Silveri M.,
Broggi G.,
Rivosecchi M.,
De Gennaro M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1998.00026.x
Subject(s) - spina bifida , medicine , constipation , bowel management , biofeedback , fecal incontinence , anorectal manometry , physical therapy , rehabilitation , pediatrics , surgery
Objectives To quantify colorectal neurogenic dysfunction in children with spina bifida and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of appropriate rehabilitation performed by the coloproctologist in the spina bifida team. Patients and methods The bowel function of 73 patients with congenital (67) and acquired (six) spinal lesions (age 7–25 years) was evaluated by one physician. Evacuation habit was classified as full bowel control, mild and severe constipation or incontinence. Fifty‐two children had mild or severe incontinence or constipation, 22 of whom were treated by the coloproctologist using biofeedback or conventional therapy; 30 were not treated. The outcome was compared between the groups Results Bowel constipation remained stable in 90% and was complicated in 10% of the untreated patients, while it ameliorated in 59% of patients who received specialist treatment. Conclusion Neurogenic bowel dysfunction needs specialist management to achieve better results, using the concept of controlled incontinence. There was no significant difference between conventional therapy and biofeedback methods.