Long-term efficacy and safety of transanal irrigation in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest disabling neurological disease in young adults. A majority of patients experience bowel dysfunction, reporting a wide spectrum of bowel symptoms that significantly negatively impact social activities and emotional state. Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a method of managing such bowel symptoms.

Transanal irrigation for bowel symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Constipation and fecal incontinence affect 68% of patients with multiple sclerosis, but management is empirical. Transanal irrigation has been used successfully in patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transanal irrigation on the bowel symptoms and general health status in these patients and the characteristics of those that had successful treatment and to obtain data for power calculations necessary for future randomized controlled studies.

Bowel biofeedback treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis and bowel symptoms.

Background: Bowel symptoms are common in patients with multiple sclerosis, but current treatment is empirical.

Objective: This study aimed to identify effect of biofeedback on bowel symptoms, mood, and anorectal physiology in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Design: This was a prospective observational study: the amount of change between pre- and posttreatment values of outcome measures was compared and analyzed.

Treatment of constipation in adults associated with idiopathic megarectum by behavioural retraining including biofeedback.

Background: Constipation in adults associated with a grossly dilated rectum and recurrent faecal impaction, idiopathic megarectum, is rare. The aetiology of idiopathic megarectum is unknown, but may involve neuromuscular or behavioural factors. It is unknown whether the condition is reversible.

Treatment of impaired defecation associated with rectocele by behavorial retraining (biofeedback).

Purpose: Large rectoceles have been associated with symptoms of impaired rectal evacuation, often leading to rectocele repair. However, these symptoms, or the anatomic abnormality, may be caused, at least in part, by a primary disturbance of rectoanal coordination. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in such patients.