Related pathologies

Cauda Equina syndrome (CES)

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare but serious neurological condition caused by compression of the cauda equina nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal canal. These nerve roots control motor and sensory function in the lower limbs and autonomic control of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. CES is considered a neurosurgical emergency because delayed treatment can lead to irreversible neurological damage, including permanent bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers Danlos syndrome encompasses a spectrum of inherited connective tissue disorders characterised by skin fragility, joint hypermobility, and tissue vulnerability. Thirteen subtypes are currently recognised, with hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classical EDS (cEDS), and vascular EDS (vEDS) being the most common. Over 50% with hEDS report chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, abdominal pain, reflux, nausea, early satiety, constipation, and dyspepsia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can cause irregular stool patterns, urgency, and abdominal discomfort, all of which influence bowel management. Clinicians may use structured routines and supportive therapies to stabilise symptoms. In selected cases, bowel irrigation can help patients achieve more consistent bowel emptying.

Low Anterior Resection (LARS)

LARS is a group of bowel symptoms that occur after surgical removal of the rectum, usually following low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The condition develops because the rectum’s capacity to store stool is significantly reduced, and the normal coordination of bowel function can be altered by changes to nerve pathways during surgery or radiotherapy.

Women’s Health

Menopause, Childbirth & Birth Trauma

At different stages in a woman’s life there are a number of physical and hormonal changes that can affect bowel habits. Things like childbirth, menopause and conditions such as a rectocele can all have an impact.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affects the brain and spinal cord. It is classified as an immune-mediated condition, meaning it results from an abnormal response of the body’s immune system rather than an infection or a purely genetic defect. In MS, the immune system mistakenly targets components of the CNS. In MS the blood brain barrier, which functions to protect the CNS from pathogens is weakened allowing cells to pass through, which cause inflammation, leading to demyelination – and subsequent nerve injury. As a result of the damage and loss of myelin, messages travel along the axon more slowly or may be completely blocked. Thus, resulting in a variety of symptoms that can vary and may change over time influencing mobility, sensation, and body functions including the bowel.

Spinal Cord Injury

Neurogenic Bowel Management

Spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when the spinal cord is damaged, which disrupts brain-body communication. This damage can be caused by trauma such as car and motorbike accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violence. It can also happen without trauma, for example, from infections, tumours, or vascular events, meaning problems with the blood supply. The injury, be it trauma or non-trauma, starts with the initial damage, then swelling and inflammation make it worse over time. SCI can affect movement, sensation, bladder and bowel control, and other body functions. The severity depends on how much of the spinal cord still works.