Review By Brigitte Collins
It always pleases me when I receive notification of newly published systematic reviews. This means that individual studies to a specific research question have been identified, evaluated, and the findings summarised. Therefore, providing us with coherent evidence in one publication.
Mekhael et al 2021, have done just that where transanal irrigation (TAI) studies have been appraised in neurogenic bowel disease, low anterior resection syndrome, faecal incontinence, and chronic constipation. The review mainly evaluates effects of TAI on patients who have not responded to conservative treatments for their bowel dysfunction, which conforms fittingly within the boundaries of treatment pathways in the National Health Service (NHS).
Not only does this systematic review illustrate that bowel function is indeed improved with the use of TAI, but also gives us food for thought on our approach for ways of monitoring success in the future.
For more in-depth information see the following reference.
