An evidence-based review of the use of transanal irrigation in children and young people with neurogenic bowel

Abstract

Study design: Evidence-based review.Objective: To determine the effectiveness and acceptability of transanal irrigation in children and young people with neurogenic bowel. Setting: International literature. Methods: Electronic databases were searched supported by hand-searching strategies to conduct a comprehensive literature review in accordance with Centre for Reviews and Dissemination procedures guidelines. Sixteen studies were selected for inclusion. Results: The studies indicate that transanal irrigation can be an effective treatment for children and young people with constipation or faecal incontinence as a result of neurogenic bowel (90%, n=346 children). Transanal irrigation is reported as improving quality of life and family's satisfaction with their bowel management, although the procedure is invasive, time consuming and can impact negatively on child, parent and family life. Conclusion: Transanal irrigation may be considered as a first line treatment option for children and young people with neurogenic bowel but further research is required to prove the efficacy and acceptability of this procedure.