PITAS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prompt Initiation of Transanal irrigation After Spinal cord injury – prospective observation cohort study
IRAS ID
334244
Contact name
concetta brugaletta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Following Spinal Cord Injury(SCI), bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction are common consequences and have a major impact on quality of life. Constipation, incontinence as well as unpredictability of bowel function and time spent on toileting are all elements of bowel symptoms that reduce quality of life. Bowel problems have been correlated with increased length of hospitalization and cause of readmission. There is no clear agreement between rehabilitative and gastroenterology societies on the diagnosis and care of bowel dysfunction. often patients wait several yeas before receiving appropriate bowel care. Access to services is not homegenous at national level.
We would like to longitudinally observe this cohort of patients that initiate transanal irrigation promptly following spinal cord injury. We would like to explore if this confers benefits in terms of reduced burden of bowel symptoms, improved Quality of Life (QoL) and perceived treatment efficacy, reducing time spent on bowel management.
We will compare this course of patients with a historical cohort of patients with SCI to explore if transanal irrigation improves long-term bowel symptom outcomes.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0479
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion