Content, face, and construct validity of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) as a measure of bowel-related quality of life in spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is commonly encountered after a spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to a tremendous impact on quality of life (QOL). The neurogenic bowel dysfunction score (NBDS) is commonly used to measure the severity of bowel dysfunction and predict QOL. However, there is no comprehensive instrument to assess bowel-specific QOL for SCI patients. Instead, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire evaluates the impact of bowel dysfunction on several aspects of QOL, although this questionnaire has not been validated for the SCI population. Motivated by the compelling need of instruments to accurately evaluate the QOL in patients who develope NBD after SCI, we aimed to assess the construct, content, and face validity of IBS-QOL in this population. METHODS: Adult SCI patients with at least 3 months after their injury were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a national rehabilitation hospital. Patients completed the NBDS and IBS-QOL via telephone interview or paper survey in the clinic. Content and face validity were assessed via interviews with professionals with expertise in providing chronic care for SCI, as well as a subgroup of patients. Construct validity was assessed using the hypotheses testing method. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's ⍺. Factor analysis was performed to assess the dimensionality of the IBS-QOL in the SCI population. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients with a median age of 45.5 years (interquartile range: 21-79) participated in the study. The majority of the sample were men (n = 82, 77%) and had endured thoracolumbar injuries (n = 74, 71.2%). Twelve patients (seven English- and five Spanish speakers) and six professionals took part in content/face validation interviews. The median IBS-QOL total score was 15.91/100 (interquartile range: 4.55-33.14). IBS-QOL differentiated the subgroups of patients with severe bowel symptoms in terms of uneasiness, sweating, or headaches during bowel emptying (p = 0.0003), time spent on bowel emptying (p = 0.0065), flatus incontinence (p = 0.0076), and overall satisfaction with bowel function (p < 0.001), demonstrating its adequate construct validity. Interviews with the patients and professionals supported the comprehensiveness, comprehensibility, and relevance of IBS-QOL for assessment of bowel-related QOL in the SCI population. Item-level analysis of professional responses showed that 97% of questions were relevant to the construct and population of interest. Internal consistency analysis yielded a Cronbach's ⍺ of 0.9684. Exploratory factor analysis yielded six underlying factors which cumulatively accounted for 72.21% of the total variance, reflecting the dimensionality of bowel-related QOL in SCI population. DISCUSSION: IBS-QOL questionnaire is a comprehensive measure of bowel-related QOL which encompasses the concerns of SCI patients. Our findings support the content, face and construct validity of IBS-QOL as a measure of bowel-related QOL in SCI. Further studies are warranted to assess the reliability and responsiveness of IBS-QOL, and to evaluate its performance across different patient populations.

Guideline for the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury/disease.

INTRODUCTION: Almost all people with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) suffer from neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), with a considerable impact on quality of life. The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF e.V.) guideline for NBD in SCI/D aims to provide practice-oriented support for the care of patients with NBD resulting from congenital or aquired SCI/D. The guideline describes the diagnosis and bowel management of NBD in people with SCI/D. Thus, treatment processes in acute medical care and rehabilitation as well as for lifelong aftercare are presented. METHODS: The present guideline was developed under the leadership of the German-speaking Medical Society for Paraplegiology in a multiprofessional interdisciplinary guideline team. To exceed the level of expert recommendations, consensus was reached within the framework of a structured nominal group process in defined steps under neutral moderation considering the criteria of the German guideline development instrument (DELBI). RESULTS: Individual bowel management must be developed on the basis of an adequate diagnosis and considering the different lesion types. Due to the multifactorial influenceability of the intestine and the individual neurological deficit, a simple to-do checklist is not effective. Various and complex bowel management programmes are the basis of the treatment of NBD. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines can only be successful in so far as they are applied in everyday life. Of course, the selection and application of the measures described must always take into consideration the individual situation of the person concerned, and the correct application is always a prerequisite for success.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction score in spinal cord-injured patients: translation and validation of the Dutch-language NBD score.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective validation study. OBJECTIVES: The neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) score is a widely used symptom-based questionnaire evaluating bowel dysfunction and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in spinal cord-injured patients. This study aimed to translate and validate a Dutch-language NBD score in patients with SCI. SETTING: Patients with SCI visiting the urology department or general practitioner (GP) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS: Standardized guidelines were followed for the translation and validation process of the NBD score. Adult patients with SCI visiting our urology department were asked to participate by filling in a set of questionnaires: the NBD score, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale (FIQL), the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), and the European Quality of life 5-Dimension 3-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) at baseline and 1-2 weeks afterward. A control group recruited at a GP office completed the questionnaires once. The following measurement properties were evaluated: content validity, internal consistency, reproducibility, criterion-, and construct validity. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients and 50 references were included. Content validity was adequate, internal consistency was moderate (Cronbach's alpha 0.56 and 0.30) and reproducibility was adequate (ICC 0.87). Criterion validity was confirmed; NBD score correlated significantly with the FIQL, FISI, and EQ-5D-3L. NBD scores in the patient group were significantly higher than in references, demonstrating good construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Dutch-language version of the NBD score showed moderate to good measurement properties, and therefore is a reliable tool to measure bowel dysfunction in patients with SCI. We recommend standardized usage of this questionnaire for clinical evaluation and research purposes.

The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD) is not suitable for patients with multiple sclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Bowel and anorectal dysfunctions are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The use of validated questionnaires is recommended in the initial assessment and patient's follow-up. The Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) score is the most used questionnaire but has been developed in spinal cord injured patients and has never been validated in other neurological diseases. We aimed to assess NBD's relevance in pwMS. SETTINGS: Monocentric study in a tertiary neuro-urology department. METHODS: A retrospective study in pwMS consulting for the first time in our department, that fulfilled the NBD questionnaire between 2010 and 2021 was performed. Qualitative and quantitative answers for each question were analyzed. Content validity and internal consistency were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five pwMS (mean age 47.1, 58% of women) fulfilled the NBD questionnaire. Mean NBD score was 6.0 (SD 6.1) and 75% of patients had a score <9. Content validity analysis revealed 4 items not appropriate, 1 item with irrelevant calibration, and omission of some treatment widely used in pwMS. Internal consistency was appreciated with Cronbach's alpha = 0.48 IC 95% [0.31; 0.6]. CONCLUSION: NBD questionnaire lacks content validity and presents a weak internal consistency in pwMS. A specific questionnaire is therefore required in pwMS to optimize bowel management and follow-up.

Development of a novel neurogenic bowel patient reported outcome measure: the Spinal Cord Injury Patient Reported Outcome Measure of Bowel Function & Evacuation (SCI-PROBE).

STUDY DESIGN: Outcome measure item generation and reduction. OBJECTIVES: To develop a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) addressing the impact of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) on individuals living with traumatic or nontraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Tertiary rehabilitation center in Toronto, Canada. METHODS: A PROM based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework was developed using the following steps: (a) item generation, (b) item refinement through iterative review, (c) completion of items by individuals living with SCI and NBD followed by cognitive interviewing, and (d) further item refinement, item reduction, and construction of the preliminary PROM. RESULTS: Following initial item generation and iterative review, the investigative team agreed on 55 initial items. Cognitive interviewing, additional revisions, and item reduction yielded an instrument comprised of 35 items; while ensuring at least two items were retained for each of the 16 previously identified challenges of living with NBD following the onset of a SCI. Scoring for the preliminary PROM ranges from 0 to 140. CONCLUSIONS: A preliminary PROM informed by the ICF for assessing the impact of NBD post-SCI has been devised, which can be used to inform clinicians and decision-makers on optimal ways to treat this serious secondary health complication. Future work will assess the validity and clinimetric properties of the PROM.

Creation and validation of a new tool for the monitoring efficacy of neurogenic bowel dysfunction treatment on response: the MENTOR tool.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVES: A tool to help decision-making tool for Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) in individuals with SCI is needed. We present a project to create and validate a new tool, the Monitoring Efficacy of NBD Treatment On Response (MENTOR), and to determine its level of concordance with decisions made by experienced clinicians in the field. SETTING: UK, Denmark, USA, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany. METHODS: The first phase was creation of the tool through a modified Delphi process. The second phase was the validation, wherein individuals with spinal cord injury with NBD were asked to complete the MENTOR tool immediately prior to clinic consultation. From the responses to the questionnaire of the tool, each participant was allocated into one of three categories reflecting the possible therapeutic recommendations ("recommend change", "further discussion" and "monitoring"). An expert clinician then assessed the participant, blinded to MENTOR results, and made an independent treatment decision. RESULTS: A total of 248 MENTOR forms were completed. Strong agreement was found when the MENTOR tool recommended monitoring (92%) or treatment change (83%); the lowest concordance when the decision was for the "further discussion" option (59%). Patient acceptability was reported by 97% of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: MENTOR is an easy to use tool to monitor the treatment of NBD and determinate progression through the clinical pathway. This validation study shows good correspondence between expert clinician opinion and MENTOR result. The tool has potential to be used in other patient groups, following further studies.

Assessment of neurogenic bowel symptoms with the bowel dysfunction score in children with spina bifida: a prospective case-control study.

AIM: To compare the quality of life (QoL) in children with spina bifida with a control group of their peers using a validated questionnaire, the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (NBDS). METHODS: The NBDS questionnaire was prospectively distributed to children attending a multi-disciplinary Spina Bifida clinic and healthy controls attending pediatric urology clinics. A score (out of 41) was assigned to each child based on their responses to the validated questionnaire. A lower score indicates better bowel function-related quality of life. SPSS software (v.25) was used for all statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 98 respondents to the questionnaire, 48 children with spina bifida and 50 controls. The average age of respondents was 7.88 years (3-16 years). Of those with Spina Bifida, 33 (69%) were on retrograde rectal irrigations, [19 (58%) Peristeen® system, 11 (33%) tube rectal irrigations, and 3 (9%) Willis system], 6 (12%) were on laxatives, and 9 (19%) were on no treatment. The median NBDS for Spina Bifida patients was significantly higher 13.5 (2-32) compared to the control group 2 (0-26, p < 0.001). Amongst Spina Bifida patients, there was no difference in quality of life between the modalities of bowel management (p = 0.203). CONCLUSIONS: Despite active bowel management, children with spina bifida report a worse quality of life compared to the control group. In those with spina bifida, the lack of a difference between various bowel management strategies, including no treatment, indicates the need for a longitudinal study to evaluate the basis for this unexpected finding.

Anti-muscarinic drugs increase rectal compliance and exacerbate constipation in chronic spinal cord injury : Anti-muscarinic drug effect on neurogenic bowel.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that anti-muscarinic agents alter rectal compliance in SCI patients and that altered rectal compliance relates to bowel symptomatology. Our primary aim was to compare rectal compliance before and after the institution of anti-muscarinics (solifenacin and tolterodine) and an adrenoceptor agonist (mirabegron) in these patients. Additionally, we wanted to evaluate if anorectal manometry differed before and after use of anti-muscarinic agents. SETTING: Tertiary neurogastroenterology clinic, London METHODS: Thirty-five patients with supraconal spinal cord injury (SCI) underwent anal manometry, assessment of rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) and rectal compliance before and after anti-muscarinic treatment (for overactive bladder) was started (mean follow-up 12 weeks). Patients were assessed identically, pre-and post-treatment (solifenacin n = 17, tolterodine n = 10, mirabegron n = 8). Doses used were as for non-SCI patients. RESULTS: Resting, squeeze and cough pressures were unchanged after anti-muscarinic treatment. Rectal compliance was significantly raised after anti-muscarinic treatment (p = 0.001). The percent amplitude of maximal sphincter relaxation of the RAIR was decreased (p < 0.001) and excitation latency was increased (p = 0.006). There was no significant change in the duration of recovery of the RAIR. There was a significant increase of the Wexner Constipation Score (p = 0.001) but no change in the Wexner Incontinence Score. There was a significant correlation between change in rectal compliance and change in Wexner Constipation Score (p = 0.001). Thus, increasing compliance of the rectum is associated with worsening of constipation after anti-muscarinic therapy. However, there were no changes in anorectal manometry or rectal compliance in those who received mirabegron. CONCLUSION: Anti-muscarinic therapy for overactive bladder increases compliance of the neurogenic rectum and alters anorectal reflex activity, with worsening of constipation.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Clinical management recommendations of the Neurologic Incontinence Committee of the Fifth International Consultation on Incontinence 2013.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines for the management of neurological disease and lower bowel dysfunction have been produced by the International Consultations on Incontinence (ICI). These are comprehensive guidelines, and were developed to have world-wide relevance. AIMS: To update clinical management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction from the recommendations of the 4th ICI, 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of evidence reviews and updates were performed by members of the working group. The resulting guidelines were presented at the 2012 meeting of the European Association of Urology for consultation, and modifications applied to deliver evidence based conclusions and recommendations for the scientific report of the 5th edition of the ICI in 2013. RESULTS: The current review is a synthesis of the conclusions and recommendations, including the algorithms for initial and specialized management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The pathophysiology is described in terms of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Assessment requires detailed history and clinical assessment, general investigations, and specialized testing, if required. Treatment primarily focuses on optimizing stool consistency and regulating bowel evacuation to improve quality of life. Symptom management covers conservative and interventional measures to promote good habits and assist stool evacuation, along with prevention of incontinence. Education is essential to achieving optimal bowel management. DISCUSSION: The review offers a pragmatic approach to management in the context of complex pathophysiology and varied evidence base.

Reliability, validity and sensitivity to change of neurogenic bowel dysfunction score in patients with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Psychometrics study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the validity, reliability and sensitivity to change of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) score. SETTING: Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. METHODS: The study included 42 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The reliability of NBD score was assessed by test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to determine internal consistency. The construct validity was evaluated by exploring correlations between the NBD score and SF-36 scales, patient assessment of impact of NBD on quality of life (QoL) and the physician global assessment (PGA). The Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale was used to assess the change of NBD to investigate the sensitivity of the score to change. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.547. In test-retest reliability analysis, high correlations between total test-retest NBD score and answers of each question were found (r=1.000, P<0.001). NBD score had a strong and significant correlation with PGA (r=0.98, P<0.000) and the impact on QoL (r=0.92, P<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between NBD score and subscales of SF-36 (P<0.05) except physical functioning, physical role functioning and physical component summary score. There was a significant improvement in NBD scores after treatment (P=0.011). A significant positive correlation was found between GRC scale and change in total NBD score (r=0.821, P=0.007). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the NBD score is a valid and reliable instrument and also sensitive to change in patients with SCI.

Medical and surgical management of neurogenic bowel.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBoD) commonly affects patients with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury among other neurologic insults. NBoD is a significant source of physical and psychosocial morbidity. Treating NBoD requires a diligent relationship between patient, caretaker, and provider in establishing and maintaining a successful bowel program. A well designed bowel program allows for regular, predictable bowel movements and prevents episodes of fecal incontinence. RECENT FINDINGS: Treatment options for NBoD span conservative lifestyle changes to fecal diversion depending on the nature of the dysfunction. Lifestyle changes and oral laxatives are effective for many patients. Patients requiring more advanced therapy progress to transanal irrigation devices and retrograde enemas. Those receiving enemas may opt for antegrade enema administration via a Malone antegrade continence enema or Chait cecostomy button, which are increasingly performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Select patients benefit from fecal diversion, which simplifies care in more severe cases. SUMMARY: Many medical and surgical options are available for patients with NBoD. Selecting the appropriate medical or surgical treatment involves a careful evaluation of each patient's physical, psychosocial, financial, and geographic variables in an effort to optimize bowel function.

Development, reliability and validation of a neurogenic bowel dysfunction score in pediatric patients with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reliable and valid questionnaire to monitor neurogenic bowel symptoms in children. PATIENTS: Thirty-four children aged 6-18 with neurogenic bowel and their caregivers. Eighteen control patients. METHODS: An expert panel generated a domain of observables and formative/reflective content. Response options were scaled following Likert-type items. Key informant interviews revised the measures. A final questionnaire was given to patients twice to calculate intra-rater reliability using Cohen's Kappa Coefficient (k) and paired t-test. Blinded interviews were conducted after physical examination and health assessment and questionnaires completed by a nurse to determine construct validity and inter-rater reliability using k and Spearman's rank-order correlation. Control patients completed the questionnaire once, their results were used to determine discriminate validity and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability showed 85% of the questionnaires having k >0.6. Paired t-test results of t(33) = 1.997, P = 0.054, d = 0.53, confirmed there was not a significant difference between the scores of the two completed questionnaires. Inter-rater reliability showed 97% of the questionnaires having k >0.6 between the nurse and the patient/caregiver responses. Scores had a strong positive correlation at rs (32) = 0.943, P < 0.0005. Mean score with neurogenic bowel was 15.18(STD ± 5.77) and control group 4.68(STD ± 2.98). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.9. A score of 8.5 correlated with presence of neurogenic bowel with sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 87%. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire shows positive reliability and validity when used for pediatric neurogenic bowel patients. The questionnaire differentiates between normal and neurogenic patients. Larger studies are necessary to conduct further validation.

[Assessment of severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in chronic patients with a simple 1-item questionnaire (PGI-S)]. / Sévérité des troubles colorectaux associés aux maladies neurologiques et évaluation pratique par questionnaire à un item (PGI-S).

INTRODUCTION: Bowel symptoms (constipation and incontinence) are frequent in patients with a neurologic disease, but rarely assessed in rehabilitation centres. AIM: To study the prevalence of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) in those patients, and to assess its severity with the Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S). MATERIAL: Prospective study by questionnaires, with the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (0-47) and the PGI-S, a 1-item questionnaire (absent, mild, moderate, severe) for the severity of the bowel symptoms, and the Bristol Stool Chart for stool consistency. All patients presenting a chronic (>2months) neurological disease were included. RESULTS: Inclusion of 169 patients, 97 with spinal cord injury, 42 with multiple sclerosis and 30 with hemiplegia. In each population, prevalence of constipation was 67 %, 45 % and 17 %, of pelvic floor dyssynergia 82 %, 45 % and 27 %, and leakages (gas or stools) de 74 %, 48 % and 43 %, respectively. Moderate to severe bowel symptoms were seen in 61 % of spinal cord injury, 43 % of multiple sclerosis and 23 % of hemiplegic patients, with NBD scores of 11.9±6.5, 5.7±4.9 and 3.7±4.2, respectively (P<0.01). There was a significant relation between PGI-S and NBD score (P<0.01). Significant lower NBD scores were associated with normal stool consistency (Bristol type 3 or 4) (P<0.01). In case of severe bowel symptoms, the use of transanal irrigation was hampered by patients' motivation and acceptation, and their autonomy. CONCLUSION: PGI-S and Bristol Stool Chart are reliable tools to assess the presence of bowel symptoms in clinical practice.

The Severity of Bowel Dysfunction in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder.

PURPOSE: Patients with neurological conditions often experience severe debilitating lower urinary and bowel dysfunction in addition to the physical disabilities. However, only the bladder has received the attention of medical providers with neurogenic bowel being poorly understood and characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective institutional neurogenic bladder database from 2010 to 2013. RESULTS: Of the 175 patients 60.6% had traumatic spinal cord injury and 18.3% had multiple sclerosis. Median ± SD FISI (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) scores were 18.0 ± 1.39 (moderate). The median neurogenic bowel dysfunction score was 11.0 ± 0.63 (moderate). Those scores were worse in those patients with spinal cord injury and spina bifida compared to those with other diseases and in younger patients (each p = 0.020), and those in the spinal cord injury group with higher levels of injury (p = 0.0046). Based on the Bristol stool scale 65% of patients had abnormal stool consistency, mostly constipation. None of the FISI, Bristol or neurogenic bowel dysfunction scores correlated significantly with SF-12® quality of life measures. However, bladder symptom scores on M-ISI (Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index) (p = 0.05) and AUA-SI (American Urological Association symptom index) (p = 0.03) correlated with FISI severity while the neurogenic bowel dysfunction score correlated with M-ISI (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.02). Patients with abnormal stool consistency on the Bristol scale reported more urgency and stress incontinence on M-ISI. CONCLUSIONS: Bowel dysfunction is common among patients with neurogenic bladder. Those with worse bladder symptoms also experience worse bowel dysfunction. This highlights the importance of addressing both bowel and bladder dysfunction in this often poorly understood population.

Pudendal nerve stimulation: a potential tool for neurogenic bowel dysfunction!

Neurogenic bowel disease occurs after damage to the spinal cord, which affects the bowel's extrinsic innervation resulting in a lack of control of the colon with incontinence or constipation. To avoid more invasive procedures, sacral and pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) have been recently considered as emerging treatment for patients with intractable constipation. In particular, PNS effects are thought to be secondary to interactions between the somatic and autonomic pathways within both the spinal cord and higher centers. Thus, PNS may be considered a potential tool in the treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction, even after a complete spinal cord damage.

Outcomes following fecal continence procedures in patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Malone antegrade continence enema and cecostomy button improve quality of life in patients with neurogenic bowel. However, they have not been compared regarding fecal continence outcomes. We compared these 2 procedures with respect to continence, complications and conversions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent Malone antegrade continence enema or cecostomy at the University of Alberta between January 2006 and January 2011. A total of 26 patients underwent Malone antegrade continence enema, of whom 20 underwent concomitant Monti procedure and bladder augmentation, 5 a laparoscopically assisted procedure and 1 concomitant ileovesicostomy. A total of 23 patients underwent cecostomy, of whom 1 underwent ileovesicostomy, 1 bladder augmentation, 1 a Monti procedure with bladder augmentation and 1 laparoscopic cecostomy. Continence was defined as ability to wear underwear with no accidents at most recent annual followup, which was a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Fecal continence rates were 84.6% for Malone antegrade continence enema and 91.3% for cecostomy. There were no statistically significant differences in continence based on procedure (p = 0.48), age (p = 0.97) or gender (p = 0.54). Of patients who underwent cecostomy 8.7% switched to the Malone antegrade continence enema, while 11.5% with Malone antegrade continence enema switched to cecostomy. Mean length of hospital stay for patients undergoing cecostomy vs laparoscopically assisted Malone antegrade continence enema was 4.0 vs 5.2 days (p = 0.15). Complications included stomal pain (23.1% of patients) and difficulty with catheterizing (19.2%) following Malone antegrade continence enema, and difficulty flushing (26.1%) following cecostomy. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between Malone antegrade continence enema and cecostomy button with respect to fecal continence or complication rates. Each approach poses unique challenges, suggesting that patients and families need to understand the differences to make an individualized choice.

A systematic review on bowel management and the success rate of the various treatment modalities in spina bifida patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To determine the different treatment modalities aimed at achieving fecal continence in spina bifida (SB) patients and their effectiveness. SETTING: International literature. METHOD: Electronic databases were searched ('Pubmed', 'Web of science', 'CINAHL' and 'Cochrane') identifying studies published since the mid-eighties and screened for relevance according to the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination procedure guidelines. A total of 37 studies were selected for inclusion. RESULTS: Studies on toilet sitting, biofeedback, anal plug, retrograde colon enemas (RCE) and antegrade colon enemas were found. Fecal continence was achieved in 67% of SB patients using conservative methods (n=509). In patients using RCE (n=190) an 80% continence rate was reached. Patients following surgical treatment (n=469) reached an 81% continence rate, however, 23% needed redo surgery because of complications. Better fecal continence was associated with an improved quality of life, which was negatively influenced by the amount of time spent on bowel management. CONCLUSION: Evidence favors an individually tailored stepwise approach with surgery as a final step in case of failure of conservative measures. Continued specialized support throughout life remains important to maintain continence. Cross-over and comparative trials are needed in order to optimize treatment.

Pediatric neurogenic bowel dysfunction: ICCS review document.

INTRODUCTION: The International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) aims to improve the quality of life in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. A substantial portion of children also have problems with bowel dysfunction. There is a lack of evidence-based information on managing neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) in children. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: The ICCS aimed to provide an up-to-date, selective, non-systematic review of NBD's definitions, assessment, and treatment. RESULTS: Specific definitions and terminology are defined within the document. Recommendations and considerations for physical assessment, history taking, and diagnostic studies are made. Management updates, both surgical and non-surgical, are provided as well as recommendations for follow-up and monitoring of individuals with NBD. CONCLUSION: This review of the current literature will help guide NBD management and research to improve NBD care.

Effectiveness and safety of digital rectal stimulation and abdominal massage for neurogenic bowel dysfunction in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a prevalent complication among stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life, duration of hospitalization, medical expenses, and even mortality. Although current guidelines suggest a conservative strategy for addressing bowel dysfunction, which includes techniques such as digital rectal stimulation (DRS) and abdominal massage, the availability of interventions remains limited in healthcare facilities. METHODS: This study follows a prospective randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial design. The control group will receive standard care, while the intervention group will undergo a program that combines DRS and abdominal massage in addition to standard care. The duration of the intervention for both groups will be 6 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the Wexner score. Furthermore, secondary outcomes measure will be assessed, including Bristol score, Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QoL), and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FI-QoL). DISCUSSION: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a bowel rehabilitation program for stroke patients with NBD. The findings will provide information that can contribute to the formulation of bowel management strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Registry under the number ChiCTR2300071709. This registration was completed on May 23, 2023. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data set are described in this manuscript.

The management of adolescents with neurogenic urinary tract and bowel dysfunction.

Most children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction arrive into adolescence with reasonably managed lower urinary tract function only to experience bladder and kidney function deterioration after puberty. The aim of this article is to identify issues that contribute to adverse changes in bladder and renal function during adolescence and to highlight strategies to preserve urinary tract integrity, social continence, patient autonomy, and independence. Surveillance of bladder function requires patient attendance at review appointments and compliance with treatment plans. While encouraging independence and treatment compliance the clinician also needs to consider altered mental concentrating ability and fine motor skills of these patients. A keen eye for imminent loss of patient compliance to treatment protocol should be the mainstay of each encounter during puberty and adolescence. Annual surveillance of adolescent neurogenic bladder patients facilitates early identification of risk factors for urinary tract deterioration. Investigations include renal and bladder ultrasonography, urodynamic study when indicated, substantiated by videocystometry when anatomical status dictates. Serum creatinine should be measured and renal scintigraphy performed when upper urinary tract dilation, renal scarring, or atrophy are suspected. Optimal management of adolescents with neurologic disease of the urinary tract included strategies to reduce elevated detrusor pressure, maintain bladder compliance, and maximize dryness. Antimuscarinic medications, botulinum toxin A, and surgical procedures are enhanced by bowel management regimens and regular nurse or urotherapist patient contact. Caring for the patient as a whole requires discussion of sexuality, fertility status, and behaviors that increase the risk of progressive urinary tract damage.