Percutaneous endoscopic sigmoid colostomy for irrigation in the management of bowel dysfunction of adults with central neurologic disease.

Background: Bowel dysfunction results in a major lifestyle disruption for many patients with severe central neurologic disease. Percutaneous endoscopic sigmoid colostomy for irrigation (PESCI) allows antegrade irrigation of the distal large bowel for the management of both incontinence and constipation. This study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of PESCI.

Effectiveness of brain injury rehabilitation.

Despite the problems posed by diversity of condition and the lack of agreement among researchers over what outcome to measure, there is now increasingly robust evidence for the effectiveness of rehabilitation in brain-injured populations. Meta-analysis has demonstrated clearly that stroke units provide a better outcome than management on a general medical ward, at the level of survival, discharge destination and dependency. The extent of this advantage may be summarized in the following terms.

Evaluation of a nurse-led multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation programme using the Nottingham Health Profile.

Objective: To ascertain whether or not an inpatient multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis resulted in a measurable change in patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL).

Design: Assessments of HRQL were made one week before adm ssion and approximately one month post discharge.

Setting: Six-bed Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at Worthing Hospital on the south coast of England.