Bowel training for children with neurogenic dysfunction: a follow-up.

Fifty children with neurogenic bowel dysfunction and stool incontinence received in patient bowel regulation training and were interviewed an average of 1.2 years later. Twenty-eight were males. Mean age was 13.5 years (range 5.6 to 18.9 years). Of the 50 children, 27 (54%) had myelomeningocele; 21 (2%), spinal cord lesion; and 27/2 (4%), repaired imperforate ani. Frequency of stool incontinence decreased from 1.8 episodes for the week prior to discharge to 0.9 episodes for the same period preceding follow-up interview (p less than 0.025). Significant changes occurred in the recommended bowel program in order to accommodate individual home environment and family life styles. Contributory factors accounting for these changes are discussed in light of specific guidelines for the rehabilitation team.