title: Outcomes in non-surgical management for bowel dysfunction.
abstract: This retrospective review considers clinical outcomes of patients following non-surgical management of bowel dysfunction (faecal incontinence and constipation), within a tertiary centre's pelvic floor unit. Between November 2010 and January 2013, 443 patients were entered into a database and the results of their treatment were recorded. To capture the treatment modalities that patients received they were grouped into three categories: defaecatory techniques and/or pelvic floor exercises; dietary advice and/or medication recommendations; rectal irrigation or the use of anal plugs. Patients received a median number of three sessions with a specialist nurse or physiotherapist. After completing a programme of therapy, 81% of patients had an improved St Mark's incontinence score and 75% of patients had an improved Thompson's functional constipation score. Subjective symptom improvement was reported in 78% of patients. The majority of these patients were discharged in 2011 and 2012 and have not required follow-up, suggesting that non-surgical management is effective on a medium-term basis.
authors: Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Collins
authors: Fiona
authors: F
authors: Hibberts
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Lyons
authors: Andrew B
authors: AB
authors: Williams
authors: Alexis M P
authors: AM
authors: Schizas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003248:Constipation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000451:nursing; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Biofeedback; Bowel function; Constipation; Faecal incontinence; Non-surgical management