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Retrograde colonic irrigation for faecal incontinence after low anterior resection

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background and aims

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of retrograde colonic irrigation in patients with faecal incontinence after a low anterior resection for a rectal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Patients with a previous low anterior resection, who were selected for treatment with retrograde colonic irrigation for faecal incontinence between 2005 and 2008, were included in the study. The data from the patients were gathered by chart research and an interview by phone.

Results

Thirty patients were included in the study. Three patients died and one patient was not able to answer questions due to a cognitive disorder. The data of the remaining 26 patients were analysed. Five patients had already stopped with the retrograde colonic irrigation treatment due to side effects. Twelve of the 21 patients (57.46%) who still performed RCI became completely (pseudo)continent, three patients (14.2%) were incontinent for flatus and six patients (29.4%) were still incontinent for liquid stool. Five patients stopped with the retrograde colonic irrigation treatment due to side-effects.

Conclusion

Retrograde colonic irrigation is an effective method to treat patients with faecal incontinence after a low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. Retrograde colonic irrigation is not invasive and has only mild side effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    S. M. P. Koch, M. P. Rietveld, B. Govaert, W. G. van Gemert & C. G. M. I. Baeten

Authors
  1. S. M. P. Koch
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  2. M. P. Rietveld
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  3. B. Govaert
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  4. W. G. van Gemert
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  5. C. G. M. I. Baeten
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. G. M. I. Baeten.

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Koch, S.M.P., Rietveld, M.P., Govaert, B. et al. Retrograde colonic irrigation for faecal incontinence after low anterior resection. Int J Colorectal Dis 24, 1019–1022 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0719-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0719-x

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