Electroenterogram, peristalsis, ultrasound examination

Bowel Care

Elderly people who require severe care and are residing in elderly care facilities are highly likely to develop constipation due to factors such as atrophy of the intestinal muscular layer associated with aging, the inability to exercise effectively to induce high-amplitude large intestinal contraction waves, reduced fiber intake due to a diet that requires the removal of dietary fiber, and inability to sense the urge to defecate due to cerebrovascular disorders and the taking of medications that can cause constipation to treat comorbid conditions. As a method of bowel management, if there is no bowel movement for three days, a colon stimulant laxative is often taken.
We observed the movement of colonic contents using plain abdominal X-rays and ultrasound images, the number of contractions and potential difference (peristalsis) of the colonic smooth muscle using an electroenterograph, bowel movements, and daily life using an actigraph. As a result, we found that even when stimulant laxatives were taken, peristalsis was small and infrequent, and gas and feces were constantly stored in the colon.

Although treatment guidelines for chronic constipation have been established and the range of drug therapy options for constipation has expanded, there is a lack of research on care interventions for constipation.

Points based on observation and assessment of colonic peristalsis

Resolving constipation issues based on the unique circumstances of severely dependent elderly people, lack of exercise, lack of dietary fiber, effects of medication, and decreased response of the large intestine to laxatives

In clinical practice, constipation is a common occurrence in people of all ages, not just those with severe nursing care needs. Therefore, bowel care based on the observation and assessment of peristalsis of the large intestine can be widely applied.

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