The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore has announced that research trials have started on a method to improve bladder and bowel function in people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
The trial was launched by the imPRESS research team in Horatio’s Garden at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre on Monday, November 18. The main aim of this trial is to investigate whether epidural spinal cord stimulation (eSCS) can aid bladder and bowel function, using eSCS to target specific nerves that control both organs.
Research focused on bladder, bowel and sexual function has been highlighted as a priority among those with an SCI, however RNOH says that research in the field is very limited.
After an SCI, signals between the brain and the pelvic organs are disrupted. As a result, the bladder often becomes overactive which can lead to frequent trips to the toilet, regular incontinence episodes and a decreased quality of life.
eSCS has been used to treat chronic pain for more than 50 years. Electrode leads or paddles are implanted in the epidural space of the spinal cord, delivering small electrical pulses to specific nerves where they join the spinal cord. This stimulation can alter the signals travelling from the spinal cord to the body and can be programmed to directly target a specific area.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, email rnoh.impresstrial@nhs.net
Photo credit: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust on Facebook
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