title: Sensation of defecation in patients with spinal cord injury.
abstract: METHODS
  For this study, a descriptive, explorative design was used.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  As a result of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients may have a partial or complete loss of the sensations of defecation. To compensate this impairment, nurses initiate bowel management programs. Therefore, they need information about sensations of defecation. Accordingly, the research questions explore which sensations of defecation are reported by patients with SCI and whether they can be used to improve bowel care.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke and the Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Kliniken Bergmannsheil in Bochum, Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 27 patients with SCI was interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. For data analysis, the frequency of the reported sensations was counted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the study show that the participants' defecation was indicated by abdominal sensations (n=20) or a prickling sensation (n=11) emerging mainly in the head. Additional signals comprised increased spasticity (n=10), cutis anserina (n=8) and sweating (n=6). Seventeen participants sensed actual defecation and 15 perceived its cessation. Six participants were able to initiate defecating according to their sensations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The assessment of sensations of defecation in patients with SCI may indicate whether a bowel-management program with a consistent schedule for defecation is needed or if physiological defecation can be trained.
authors: Swiss Paraplegic-Research, Nottwil, Switzerland. Ute.Haas@t-online.de
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Haas
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Geng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation