Full Bowels Affect the Bladder and Voiding
Jan 23, 2014 1:01:49 GMT -8
Post by Lαrα on Jan 23, 2014 1:01:49 GMT -8
I can remember my continence nurse discussing with me the importance of effective bowel routines. During the conversation she mentioned that a full bowel will also affect bladder voiding and catheterizing.
She explained that the bowels when full, will compress the bladder...the bladder's normal capacity is reduced and also voiding is difficult. I would imagine that this also increases bladder spasms which can be very troublesome when catheterizing.
The risk of UTI's also can become more likely.
I was reading an article earlier which explains a little about this but is targeted at pediatrics but it seems to explain the issue in simple terms.
Bowel Management
The bladder and bowel share the same general space in the pelvis. When there is increased pressure and distension of the bowel, the bladder can be severely compressed (the bladder always loses this fight). When full, the bowel can wrap around the body of the bladder much like a blood pressure cuff being wrapped around your arm.
The bladder and bowel share the same general space in the pelvis. When there is increased pressure and distension of the bowel, the bladder can be severely compressed (the bladder always loses this fight). When full, the bowel can wrap around the body of the bladder much like a blood pressure cuff being wrapped around your arm.
Bladder pressure would increase and cause incomplete emptying in addition to limiting functional bladder capacity. So I wonder if catheterizing or voiding is affected much by those individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury who have less frequent bowel routines or possible end up with more frequent UTI's?
Here is the source if you would like to read. It isnt SCI related but a very simple explanation with a diagram: Source
