Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction after SCI: A Comparison between India and Canada.

Objectives: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) increases the frequency and severity of bowel problems, especially for those who age with this injury. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a bowel management training program in patients aged with SCI. Methods: A multiple-baseline single-case design of concurrent type was employed. Three male married patients with SCI whose ages ranged between 48 and 53, with a mean duration of 32 years after the injury, were recruited for this study from a rehabilitation center in Isfahan City, Iran, in 2020. An individualized 8-week bowel management training program was conducted. The patients’ bowel dysfunction was evaluated by Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) score. Results: The results were provided by the six features of single-case designs, namely immediacy of the effect, overlap, variability consistency of data patterns across similar phases, trend, and level, revealed the efficacy of the program in decreasing bowel dysfunction problems in men aging with SCI. Discussion: Health care providers should know about the changes that might happen as an individual gets old with SCI to take preventive measures and reduce the harmful effects of aging, especially bowel dysfunction.

<b>Objectives</b> There is a risk that early neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction following acute spinal cord injury (SCI) may not be adequately managed on the acute hospital wards. The aim of this paper was to review optimal assessment and management of patients with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction during acute care immediately following SCI. A secondary aim was to translate these findings into an accessible policy for clinical staff involved in the care of acute SCI patients.<br><b>Methods</b> A literature review was performed to identify the protocols and research describing the management of bladder and bowel dysfunction after acute SCI. The measures extracted were principles of practice, threshold measures and evaluation tools, and timelines of best care. Key findings relating to assessment, management and identification of the benefits of adhering to a protocol of clinical practice were summarised. Fidelity with evidence identified was evaluated, and practice gaps were recognised.<br><b>Results</b> A total of 12 papers and six guidelines for providing excellent care to patients with SCI were identified. Overall, a systematic and comprehensive assessment of bladder and bowel function and neurological impairment should be completed early following SCI. Management is best individualised to both prevent known sequelae and optimise current function and quality of life. Acute SCI bladder and bowel management pathways were developed based on evidence identified.<br><b>Conclusions</b> The study has identified that timely assessment and management of patients with spinal cord neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction during the acute phase is pivotal to optimising continence and mitigating risk of preventable harm prior to discharge to specialised spinal rehabilitation.

Although plenty of evidence supports the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in improving urination and defecation, few studies concerned its effect on the patients with spinal dysraphism (SD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SNM on SD-induced neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. We prospectively followed the patients with SD who underwent SNM in our department from May 2019 to June 2024. Fusion images of sacrococcygeal computed tomography and magnetic resonance sacral plexus nerve images were used as essential references for preoperative evaluation and intraoperative implantation. Patient's subjective improvement by ≥50% from baseline was defined as implantation procedure success. Among the included patients, urodynamics, urinary ultrasonography, daily urination frequency, daily urine leakage, and neurogenic bowel dysfunction score were compared before and after SNM and between unilateral and bilateral SNM. A total of 44 patients were included, of whom 97.73% reported improved symptoms and 47.73% achieved implantation procedure success. SNM significantly improved the average postvoid residual volume, maximum cystometric capacity, bladder compliance, daily urination frequency, daily urine leakage, and neurogenic bowel dysfunction score. We found a significantly higher success rate in the patients stimulated bilaterally compared with those stimulated unilaterally but no intergroup differences against age (between minors and adults), sex, lower urinary tract symptoms, and intestinal symptoms. Bilateral SNM performed significantly better in improving postvoid residual volume, daily urination frequency, and daily urine leakage than unilateral SNM. No SNM-related complications were reported during follow-up. SNM can improve urination and defecation in the patients with SD safely and effectively. We strongly recommend fusion imaging of sacrococcygeal computed tomography and magnetic resonance sacral plexus imaging as a valuable and promising technique for preoperative evaluation and intraoperative implantation. A flexible implantation strategy involving electrode location and number helps achieve ideal modulation effects in the patients with SD.

ObjectivesBowel and bladder symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Bladder dysfunction (affecting 75% of these patients) is caused by disease in the spinal cord, whilst the pathophysiology of bowel dysfunction is unknown. Pathways regulating both the organs lie in close proximity to the spinal cord, and coexistence of their dysfunction might be the result of a common pathophysiology. If so, the prevalence of bladder symptoms should be greater in patients with MS and bowel symptoms. This hypothesis is tested in the study. We also evaluated how patient-reported symptoms quantify bowel dysfunction.Patients and methodsThe Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction questionnaire and the presence of bladder symptoms were recorded in 71 patients with MS and bowel symptoms. Disability, a surrogate clinical measure of spinal cord disease, was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Bowel and bladder symptoms were quantified by patient-reported frequency, expressed in time percentage (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100% of the time the symptom was perceived), and patient-reported severity on a visual analogue scale between 0 and 100.ResultsThe prevalence of bladder symptoms was 85%, which is higher than that expected in an unselected population of patients with MS. Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score was significantly correlated with both patient-reported frequency (r=0.860, P<0.0001) and severity of bowel symptoms (r=0.659, P=<0.0001), as well as with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (r=0.526, P<0.0001).ConclusionOur findings suggest that gut dysfunction in patients with MS is secondary to spinal cord disease. Patient-reported bowel symptoms quantify bowel dysfunction well.

ABSTRACTPurposeWe investigated whether severity of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) was associated with more patient‐reported bladder and bowel symptoms and compared AD severity by bladder management strategy in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsThe Neurogenic Bladder Research Group SCI Registry is a prospective study which evaluated quality of life after SCI. Bladder and bowel symptoms were assessed through Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score and Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score, respectively. AD severity was assessed with the Autonomic Dysreflexia Following Spinal Cord Injury (ADFSCI) instrument. Bladder management was classified as volitional voiding, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), indwelling catheter (IDC), and surgery (augmentation and diversion).ResultsAD scores were identified for 1473 people. The mean age was 45. Bladder management was CIC in 754 (51%), IDC in 271 (18%), surgery in 195 (13%) and voiding in 259 (18%). On univariate analysis, higher ADFSCI scores occurred with complete injuries (3.1 vs 3.4, p = 0.03), cervical/thoracic injuries (3.8 vs 1.5, p < 0.0001), and chronic pain (3.9 vs 2.9, p = 0.0004). IDC (5.2) and surgery (4.5) had higher ADFSCI scores than CIC (3.0) and volitional voiding (2.8) (p < 0.0001). Sub‐analysis showed bladder augmentation had significantly higher ADSCI scores than diversion (4.7 vs 3.7, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, level of injury, bladder management, and bowel and bladder symptoms remained associated with worse AD.ConclusionLevel of injury, age, worse bowel and bladder symptoms and bladder management type were associated with higher AD scores. Bladder management with surgery, particularly bladder augment, and IDC had associated greater AD symptoms compared to CIC or voiding.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov NTC06216081 and HSRP20153564, U.S. National Library of Medicine, wwwcf.nlm.nih.gov.

Objective: To evaluate neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction (NBBD) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI), a condition considered less frequent in those patients than in children with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to study the relationship between NBBD and disability grade in this population. Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of all patients (aged 3-18 years old) admitted during a three-month observation in our neurorehabilitation department. Data collected were as follows: demographic parameters; disability status (Wee-FIM Scale, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Communication Function Classification System); and gastrointestinal and urological symptoms (diaries, Bristol scale, Pad Test and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire). Results: Sixty patients were enrolled (31 females, 29 males): 30 CP, 17 ABI, 3 SCI, and 10 others with neurological diseases. All presented urinary incontinence without gender differences. CP and ABI had major incidences of bowel dysfunction (50% and 64.7%, respectively) and SCI of urinary tract infections (66.6%) and enuresis (100%). A major incidence of symptoms was recorded in patients with higher GMFCS levels (level 3-4-5). Conclusions: NBBD has a high frequency in children with CP and ABI, as in SCI. More attention is needed from pediatricians and pediatric urologists for this clinical entity. Further studies are needed to better understand clinical relevance and, therefore, to establish specific management.

We tried to investigate the role of Schwann and satellite cells in the treatment of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction; following spinal cord injury in the rabbit model. Twelve male New Zealand rabbits underwent induction of neurogenic bladder by spinal cord injury. Rabbits underwent the fibertractography analysis to confirm the induction of spinal cord injury. Then, animals were randomly divided into two groups. In group I (n = 4), Schwann cells were obtained from autologous peroneal nerve. In group II (n = 4), the co-culture of nerve-muscle cells was obtained from autologous peroneal nerve and quadriceps muscle. Animals in the control group (n = 4) did not undergo any rehabilitation therapy. One and 4months after injection of cells into the external anal sphincter, electromyography, urethral pressure profiles, urodynamic studies, voiding cystourethrogram, and manometry was performed to confirm the efficacy of treatment in short- (1month) and long-term (4months) follow-ups. The investigations validated that no statistically significant difference was detected between the two experimental groups in a short-term follow-up (p-value > 0.05). However, the functional features were improved in group II in long-term follow-up. In both groups, the external anal sphincter contracted in response to electrical signals delivered to the muscle. However, more signals were detected in group II in electromyography evaluation. The immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the histological features of the bladder and spinal cord were more satisfactory in group II in all follow-ups compared to group I, in terms of less edema, inflammation, presence of progenitor cells, and expression of muscle and nerve markes. Our results suggested that the injection of nerve-muscle co-culture cells into the external anal sphincter may be a helpful tactic for ameliorating the urological complications; following spinal cord injury induction in the rabbit model.

ObjectiveThe mechanisms of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) and neurogenic bladder (NB), which are major consequences of spinal cord injury and occasionally degenerative lumbar disease. The following in patients with cauda equina syndrome who underwent posterior decompression surgery was investigated: (1) the preoperative prevalence of NBD and NB, measured using the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS); (2) the degree and timing of postoperative improvement of NBD and NB.MethodsWe administered the CSS and IPSS in 93 patients before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. We prospectively examined patient characteristics, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and postoperative improvements in each score.ResultsThe prevalence of symptomatic defecation and urinary symptoms at admission were 37 patients (38.1%) and 31 patients (33.3%), respectively. Among the symptomatic patients with defecation problems, 12 patients had improved at 1 month, 13 at 3 months, 14 at 6 months, and 13 at 12 months postoperatively. Among the symptomatic patients with urinary problems, 5 patients improved at 1 month, 11 at 3 months, 6 at 6 months, and 10 at 1 year postoperatively. Comparing patients with improved versus unimproved in CSS, the degree of JOA score improvement was a significant prognosis factor (p<0.05; odds ratio, 1.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of symptomatic defecation and urinary symptoms in patients with cauda equina syndrome was 38.1% and 33.3%, respectively. Decompression surgery improved symptoms in 30%–50%. These effects were first observed 1 month after the operation and persisted up to 1 year.

Enema Continence Catheter For Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction: It Could Be Useful For Bowel Regimen As Well As Clean Intermittent Catheterization For Bladder Dysfunction?

Assessment of severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in chronic patients with a simple 1-item questionnaire (PGI-S)

Bladder and bowel dysfunctions are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and negatively affect their quality of life. Bladder dysfunction, which is prevalent in people with MS (PwMS), can impact almost all patients within 10 years after diagnosis. Conservative, medical, and electrical stimulation approaches are used in the treatment of these problems. Bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis can lead to issues such as fluid intake restriction, withdrawal from work life, inability to socialize, and the need for constant use of pads, resulting in a depressive lifestyle. Bowel dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis can manifest as fecal incontinence and/or constipation, which can also negatively affect patients' quality of life. Various approaches are utilized in the management of bladder and bowel dysfunction. Multiple sclerosis nurses play a key role in the multidisciplinary team for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients' bladder and bowel symptoms. Effective nursing care, education, and counseling in the management of these symptoms enhance the comfort of patients with multiple sclerosis. In this review, the bladder and bowel dysfunctions experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis and the management of these problems are discussed in line with current knowledge.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly devastating injury with a variety of complications; among them are neurogenic bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the effect of sacral anterior root stimulation with sacral deafferentation (SARS-SDAF) on neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction in a large well-defined spinal cord injury cohort. In the manner of cross-sectional study, subjects undergone SARS-SDAF between September 1986 and July 2011 answered a questionnaire concerning conditions before and after surgery in the department of Neuro-Urology, Bad Wildungen, Germany. In total 287 of 587 subjects were analyzed. Median age was 49years (range 19-80), median time from SCI to surgery was 10years (range 0-49), and from surgery to follow-up 13years (range 1-25). Of the analyzed subjects, 100% of both gender used SARS for bladder emptying. On the visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10 (best), satisfaction with SARS-SDAF was 10 concerning bladder emptying, however 5 and 8 regarding sexual performance, for female and male users, respectively. Baseline and follow-up comparison showed a decline in self-intermittent catheterization (p < 0.0001), partial catheterization by attendant (p = 0.0125), complete catheterization and suprapubic catheterization (p < 0.0001), transurethral catheterization (p < 0.0011), and fewer cases of involuntary urine leakage (p < 0.0001). The SARS-SDAF is a beneficial multi-potential treatment method with simultaneous positive effect on multi-organ dysfunction among SCI subjects.

More than 50% of patients arriving at emergency departments with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) have been in a traffic accident. The demographic profile consists of men in their 30s, admitted most often during weekends in the summer months. Complete cord lesions have decreased in prevalence, which is tentatively explained by improved care in the field, increased use of seat belts, and, possibly, surgical care of unstable spine trauma. It is prudent to assume that SCI has occurred in patients with multiple traumas, motor vehicle or sports accidents, or a documented spine fracture. Accurate clinical description of acute damage to the spinal cord, appropriate stabilization, and early recognition of unstable spine fractures or dislocations are all immediate priorities. The management of acute spinal cord injury—traumatic or nontraumatic—includes stabilization of respiration, cardiac rhythm, and blood pressure, and management of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction.

PD43-10 THE EFFECTS OF AUGMENTATION CYSTOPLASTY AND BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTION ON PATIENT-REPORTED BLADDER FUNCTION AND SATISFACTION AMONG SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS PERFORMING INTERMITTENT CATHETERIZATION

Sacral neuromodulation for neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction after spinal cord disease