Evaluating gravity versus pump irrigation for bowel dysfunction

Rectal irrigation as a method of management for patients suffering bowel dysfunction is relatively new in the UK (Gardiner et al, 2003). However, patients in the Lothian region have been offered rectal irrigation by means of gravity device since 1998, while patients in the Hull and East Yorkshire area have been able to receive electric pump irrigation since 2001. A two-centre crossover trial was designed to capture quantitative data and a free-report narrative questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data to investigate the comparative efficacy and acceptability of the two methods, in terms of bowel function and quality of life measure.