Rectal irrigation has been shown to be effective for relieving symptoms of constipation and faecal incontinence which results from all types of bowel dysfunction.
A systematic review of 27 studies including 1435 individuals, has shown rectal irrigation to be effective for managing neurogenic bowel dysfunction, faecal incontinence, chronic constipation (of various origins) and low anterior resection syndrome (Mekhael et al., 2021).
The PERSPECTIVE study has shown rectal irrigation to be effective for a range of functional bowel disorders, including all types of irritable bowel syndrome and evacuatory difficulties. Up to 60% of patients with functional bowel problems who are taught rectal irrigation continue with it long term. Since irrigation requires motivation and commitment, long term use can be considered a surrogate for effectiveness (Henderson et al., 2022).
