Information: Website regarding Transanal Irrigation (TAI) and persons with spinal-cord injury (SCI).
Spinal-cord injury: Many persons with spinal-cord injury (SCI) is using TAI to get better control over their bowel and thereby improve the quality of daily living.
Indicators: The major indications for using TAI are (1) many bowel accidents, (2) constipation, (3) the need for finger-stimulation, (4) long time on the toilet, and (5) many UTIs in combination with constipation. TAI is to consider if less invasive procedures are not efficient in tackling the challenges.
Safe: TAI is safe and healthy.
Lack of information: According to a membership survey among the members of RYK 29% are not knowing TAI; although new research indicates that more than 50% should consider TAI as a treatment to improve the quality of their daily life. Many healthcare professionals do not know about TAI.
Old procedure: TAI is a very old know procedure, known since 1550 before Christ, but have just been introduced to persons with SCI 40-50 years ago to handle their “Neurogenetic Bowel Dysfunctions” (NBD).
Method: When performing TAI body temperatured water gently is pumped into the bowel. The water creates a reaction within the bowel forcing the stools to move down and out into the toilet. The procedure is taking 30-45 minutes.
Efficient procedure: TAI is often quicker, more efficient, safer and longer lasting than other bowel-regimes and creates a feeling of more psychological safeness.
Routines: The result of using TAI is better when introducing a routine on when to do the TAI, what to eat, when to eat and remember to drink sufficiently. It is recommendable to reduce the intake of alcohol.
Be patient: Patience is necessary because the individual routine does not develop overnight.
Keep track: A diary over food, drink, time et cetera can be of excellent assistance in the process of finding the individual and right routine.
Products: There are a number of products for TAI available on the market; and it is important to find exact that product which suits the individual.
Expert advice: Although TAI is not “Rocket Science” it not advisable to initiate it without consulting relevant healthcare professionals, perhaps from the centralized and specialized rehabilitation hospitals for persons with SCI, and become a part of a follow-up program, perhaps every ½ year in the beginning.
Hygiene: When using TAI it is important with a high degree of hygiene when cleaning the reusable parts of the equipment; and strictly follow the instructions by those companies behind the products.
Inform others: TAI can require assistance from relatives or personal assistants, whom must be proper introduced to the procedure itself and its reason.
Selecting equipment: Healthcare professionals can guide on the selection of specific equipment.
Rules: Regulations regarding providing equipment for TAI is different across countries; some with out-of-pocket payment and some with full or partly co-payment by the authorities.
Travel: When travelling with equipment for TAI it is advisable to bring along a certificate from the company producing the products for TAI to avoid discussion with customs officers and others.
