For further information relating to the NHS supported Peristeen Lavage System, please find below a pdf link to the order form and a video link for further guidance on how to use them. Peristeen Plus BM Video How to Use Patient Video.mp4 Peristeen Plus BM Other Interactive Peristeen Plus TAI Referral and Suitability Assessment form.pdf
Hypermobility Syndrome / Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Within the field of gastroenterology I often see this condition typically associated with slow transit constipation, which in turn leads to gas trapping, uncomfortable bloating distension and lower abdominal cramps. To make a simple assessment one can use the Beighton Score by clicking on the link provided by the Hypermobility Syndromes Association In general…
Please click on this link to find attached a patient advice sheet for Selective IgA Deficiency provided by Primary Immunodeficiency UK (PID UK) - www.piduk.org They also offer free membership for and support. Joining is free and easy to do. You can do this via their website at www.piduk.org/register/ Members also get a monthly eâ€bulletin and two newsletters per year.
Recurrent isolated RUQ abdominal pain (e.g. often under the right ribs) is common and abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is said to account for 2% of all presentations to A+E with acute abdominal pain. Click on this link to review a recent systematic review of the literature assessing outcomes from;- a) Trigger point injection (TPI) alone – 86% short term successful…
Anal pain can have many potential causes Click on this patient information link to be guided through some of the potential causes and their management The Dr. Falk Foundation have kindly produced a full pdf leaflet with simple pictures that can be reviewed by clicking on the following link
I have recently been chosen as a trainer for the new ACT (Advanced Training in Constipation) management courses in the East of England. The aim of the course is to standardise the evidence-based understanding and treatment of constipation throughout Britain using the most up-to-date peer reviewed research.
Prucalopride
This new selective, high affinity 5-HT4 agonist appears to be one of the first new therapies to have really made a significant impact on the treatment of chronic constipation.
Presently in UK it is being offered in women only who have failed on standard laxatives.
Prucalopride 2mg od (or 1mg od for those over 65y)
If there has been no benefit after 1 month, it is unlikely that continuing any longer will be helpful .
In 3 seperate 12week trials it was shown to improve;-
a) regular bowel frequency to at least 1x/day in 67% (verses 39% on placebo)
b) abdominal pain and discomfort
c) bloating
d) straining
e) defaceation urgency
Benefits are seen with median time to spontaneous bowel movement within 3 hours.
Interestingly the improvement in quality of life was maintained for 2 years.
Side effects are mild (diarrhoea, nausease, headache, abdominal pain) and resolve swiftly (24 hrs).