Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-15-2023
Identifier
DOI: 10.3390/children10091558; PMCID: PMC10529947
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with spinal abnormalities often struggle with fecal and/or urinary incontinence (up to 87 and 92%, respectively) and require a collaborative approach to bowel management in conjunction.
METHODS: To define existing approaches and propose state-of-the-art bowel management, a literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases and focusing on the manuscripts published July 2013 and July 2023.
RESULTS: Patients with spinal anomalies have impaired innervation of the rectum and anal canal, decreasing the success rate from laxatives and rectal enemas. Thus, transanal irrigations and antegrade flushes are widely utilized in this group of patients. Based on spinal MRI, the potential for bowel control in these children depends on age, type, and lesion level. On referral for bowel management, a contrast study is performed to assess colonic motility and evacuation of stool, followed by a series of abdominal X-rays to define colonic emptying and adjust the regimen. The options for management include laxatives, rectal enemas, transanal irrigations, antegrade flushes, and the creation of a stoma. Approximately 22-71% of patients achieve social continence dependent on the type and level of the lesion.
CONCLUSION: Patients with spinal anomalies require a thorough assessment for continence potential and stool burden prior to initiation of bowel management. The optimal treatment option is defined according to the patient's age, anatomy, and mobility. The likelihood of independent bowel regimen administration should be discussed with the patients and their caregivers.
Journal Title
Children (Basel)
Volume
10
Issue
9
Keywords
antegrade continence enema; bowel management; constipation; enema; fecal incontinence; meningocele; spina bifida; spinal anomaly; tethered cord; urinary incontinence
Recommended Citation
Bokova E, Prasade N, Rosen JM, Lim IIP, Levitt MA, Rentea RM. State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Spinal Anomalies. Children (Basel). 2023;10(9):1558. Published 2023 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/children10091558
Included in
Gastroenterology Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Surgery Commons
Comments
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Publisher's Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/9/1558