Rowel 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 reporte d. A discussion of present management techniques is undertaken and new dire ctions 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 rese arch in this area.