A Survey of Defecation Pattern after Discharge in Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the defecation pattern after discharge in stroke patients with bowel problems. METHOD: Subjects were 50 stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation program and discharged to home. The information about the defecation pattern were taken through interview or review of medical records as follows anatomical lesion site, consciousness, admission period, operation history, co-morbidity, ambulation distance, water & food intake, assistive device use, voiding dysfunction, urine output, stool softner use, fecal incontinence, and defecation frequency. We compared the defecation frequency according to the various factors obtained from the medical records and interview. RESULT: The defecation frequency were significantly higher in patients without co-morbidily or fecal incontinence, with longer-distance ambulation, large amount of water & food intake (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the various factors noted above, comprehensive rehabilitation program to relieve bowel problems should be established in the rehabilitation management of stroke patients.