Colonic and anorectal dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients

Introduction: Bowel dysfunction is common after spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to determine the role of the hindgut in the symptom development and motor function (transit) of SCI patients. Methods: A total of 5 patients with chronic complete SCI and 6 healthy volunteers were studied. All of the patients had lesions above Th5. All of the patients complained of constipation. Gut transit, rectal mechano- and electrosensitivity were tested. Results: Slow colonic transit occurred in all patients, transit time was 102 hrs (70–144 hrs) in patients with constipation vs. control: 30 hrs (24–48 hrs) P