Transanal irrigation

Transanal irrigation (TAI, also termed retrograde irrigation)^{[nb 1]} of the rectum and colon is designed to assist the evacuation of feces from the bowel by introducing water into these compartments via the anus.^[1]

It is a treatment for persons with bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence and/or constipation (especially obstructed defecation). The impact of transanal irrigation varies considerably. Some individuals experience complete control of incontinence, and other report little or no benefit.^[1] Evidence show this treatment may be considered for children as well.^[2]

When diet and medication has proven ineffective, transanal irrigation is used.^[1][3]

Advantages and disadvantages

Possible advantages:

• Avoids surgery, medications, or other procedures
• By regularly emptying the bowel using transanal irrigation, controlled bowel function is often re-established to a high degree in patients with bowel dysfunction. This enables the users to develop a consistent bowel routine by choosing the time and place of evacuation.^[1]
• In patients with constipation, regular evacuation of the lower part of colon and rectum can accelerate transit through the entire colon.^[4] There has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been a rapid uptake of transanal irrigation methods in highly symptomatic patient groups with anorectal symptoms.^[5]
• In individuals with fecal incontinence, efficient emptying of the lower part of colon and rectum means that new feces may not reach the rectum for up to 2 days, which may prevent leakage between irrigations.^[6]

Possible disadvantages:

• Requires training so individual understands how to use the equipment
• A degree of dexterity is required to perform transanal irrigation at home. If the individual cannot perform the irrigation themselves, a carer may be required
• Periodic sterilization (e.g. with sodium hypochlorite solution) and replacement of the equipment is needed, or microbial biofilms may start grow inside the tubing, contaminating the irrigation fluid
• Persistent leaking of residual irrigation fluid after the irrigation may occur and make this option unhelpful as liquids are more difficult to retain than solids in persons with fecal incontinence.^[7]
• Complications such as electrolyte imbalance and perforation (rare).

Notes

1. The term retrograde irrigation distinguishes this procedure from the Malone antegrade continence enema, where irrigation fluid is introduced into the colon proximal to the anus via a surgically created irrigation port

References

1. Emmanuel, A V; Krogh, K; Bazzocchi, G; Leroi, A-M; Bremers, A; Leder, D; van Kuppevelt, D; Mosiello, G; Vogel, M; Perrouin-Verbe, B; Coggrave, M; Christensen, P (20 August 2013). "Consensus review of best practice of transanal irrigation in adults" (PDF). Spinal Cord 51 (10): 732–738. doi:10.1038/sc.2013.86. PMID 23958927.
2. Corbett, P V; Denny, A; Dick, K; Malone, PS; Griffin, S; Stanton, MP (April 2014). "Peristeen integrated transanal irrigation system treats feacel incontinence in children". Pediatric urology 10 (2): 219–22. doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2013.08.006. PMID 24439630.
3. (UK), National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (2007). Faecal incontinence the management of faecal incontinence in adults. London: National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (UK). ISBN 0-9549760-4-5.
4. Colonic emptying after transanal irrigation Bazzocchi G, Poletti E, Pillastrini
5. Christensen, P; Krogh, K; Buntzen, S; Payandeh, F; Laurberg, S (Feb 2009). "Long-term outcome and safety of transanal irrigation for constipation and fecal incontinence.". Diseases of the colon and rectum 52 (2): 286–92. doi:10.1007/DCR.0b013e3181979341. PMID 19279425.
6. Christensen, P; Olsen, N; Krogh, K; Bacher, T; Laurberg, S (Jan 2003). "Scintigraphic assessment of retrograde colonic washout in fecal incontinence and constipation.". Diseases of the colon and rectum 46 (1): 68–76. doi:10.1097/01.DCR.0000038104.66269.99. PMID 12544524.
7. Bruce G. Wolff et al., eds. (2007). The ASCRS textbook of colon and rectal surgery. New York: Springer. pp. 653–664. ISBN 0-387-24846-3.