BOWEL FUNCTION IN ADULTS WHO HAVE SUSTAINED SPINAL-CORD INJURY IN CHILDHOOD

The impact of neuropathic bowel dysfunction on bowel habits was studie d in 35 adult spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, who had sustained the ir injury in childhood. The methods used in the study were clinical in terview and examination, quantitative scoring of bowel function (BCS) and estimation of bowel transit time with radiopaque markers. Thirty f ive healthy subjects without previous anorectal disease or surgery and with similar age and sex distribution as the patients served as contr ols. Most of the SCI patients were content with their bowel function. Nine (26%) out of 35 of the SCI patients were completely satisfied wit h their bowel function and reported no limitations in social life. The majority (69%) of the patients considered their bowel function to be significantly altered, causing only mild problems in their social life . Two of the patients had major problems of bowel function, which caus ed severe limitations in their social life. The majority (77%) of the patients declared that they had a low frequency of bowel evacuation. E ight out of 35 patients were using laxatives to promote bowel emptying . The quantitative BCS of the patients was significantly lower than th at of the controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant diff erence between the scores of patients with complete high (C2-T6) and c omplete low (T7-S4-5) lesions. The difference between the BCS and over all satisfaction with bowel function can be explained by good habilita tion to SCI and by the prolonged transit times which enables relativel y rare and controlled bowel movements and firm consistency of stools.