The pattern of colorectal dysfunction changes with time since spinal cord injury.
BACKGROUND
Cross-sectional studies suggest that colorectal dysfunction after spinal cord injuries (SCI) worsens as time goes by. However, follow-up studies are needed to prove this.


METHODS
Prospective study.


OBJECTIVE
To describe long-term colorectal function in SCI patients.


METHODS
Members of the Danish Spinal Cord Injuries Association.


METHODS
In 1996, 424 members of the Danish Paraplegic Association answered a detailed questionnaire describing their colorectal function. In 2006, those who continued as members (n=284) received an identical questionnaire. Data for patients responding both in 1996 and in 2006 (n=159) were compared.


RESULTS
In 1996, 25% of the respondents reported that colorectal dysfunction had some or a major impact on their quality of life. At follow-up 10 years later, it was 38% (P<0.005). In 1996 11% defecated less than every second day and 16% spent more than 30 min at each defecation; in 2006, it was 19% (P<0.01) and 25% (P<0.00001), respectively. Digital anorectal stimulation or evacuation was performed at least once every week by 48% in 1996 and by 56% in 2006 (P<0.0001). Fecal incontinence was reported at least once a month by 22% in 1996 and by 17% in 2006 (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
While the frequency and severity of constipation-related symptoms increase with time since SCI, there is a decrease in the frequency of fecal incontinence.
Faaborg
P M
PM
Surgical Research Unit, Department of Surgery P, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. pmfaaborg@gmail.com
Christensen
P
P
Finnerup
N
N
Laurberg
S
S
Krogh
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003106:Colon / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors