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Historically, the use of colonic irrigation or transanal irrigation (TAI) has been viewed as an alternative therapy for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions not relating to bowel dysfunction, including nausea, fatigue, depression, headache, anxiety and rheumatism. However, these days it is viewed as an effective treatment in individuals who may present with bowel dysfunction and related symptoms of constipation and faecal incontinence. Such individuals would include people with neuropathic bowel disorders, conditions that affect sphincter control or bowel motility disorders. injury to the rectum, sphincter or bowel, slow transit times, evacuation difficulties or prolapse due to a weak/damaged pelvic floor, and chronic faecal incontinence. TAI may be performed by the person with bowel dysfunction, or by a carer or health professional. An individual's ability to use a device to undertake the procedure will be influenced by a range of factors, which are explored in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses transanal irrigation: what it is, the clinical conditions that might be helped by it and less invasive options that should be considered before starting irrigation. It looks at the delivery of this procedure, describes the different options available and compares and contrasts devices manufactured by five different companies. Contraindications are listed and side-effects discussed. Problems and possible solutions are considered. Transanal irrigation education for nurses and teaching patients is reviewed. Follow-up is discussed, including the reasons why some patients abandon irrigation. Quality of life can be improved for those who become successful users of transanal irrigation. When patients do continue to irrigate, even when this is not problem free, it can help them regain control over their bowel dysfunction by allowing them to evacuate their bowels at a time and a place that is convenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the use of transnasal irrigation (TAI) as an alternative therapy to treat bowel dysfunction. It discusses chronic constipation and fecal incontinence which can both negatively impact a patient's quality of life and result in feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and loss of self-esteem. It mentions other treatments for fecal incontinence and chronic constipation including dietary or lifestyle change, laxatives, and fiber supplements and comments on suitability of TAI.

The article discusses the use of transanal irrigation to treat chronic constipation and faecal incontinence, and it mentions how the procedure involves the insertion of water into a patient's rectum and sigmoid colon and the emptying of the bowel. The effectiveness of the transanal irrigation procedure is examined, along with treatments for people with neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Patient assessments and national guidelines are assessed.

The article offers information related to transanal irrigation (TAI), which is a simple, safe, reversible treatment option and proven to be effective in treating neurogenic bowel dysfunction, faecal incontinence and constipation. It is noted that TAI is intended to decrease leakage, help reestablish controlled bowel function and enable the user to choose the time and place for rectal evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction has a significant impact on quality of life of individuals with chronic neurological injuries and diseases, and management of this problem presents many challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals. These challenges include the limited evidence available to assist with the development of a satisfactory bowel management programme for individuals, and the small range of available options where conservative approaches are unsuccessful. This is the third article in a series of three on neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. The prevalence and pathophysiology of these conditions, along with psychosocial impact they have on patients' quality of life, were discussed in part one, and part two discussed management options in neurogenic bladder. This article examines conservative care in neurogenic bowel management, the other options and the evidence to support them in this client group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]