Emmanuel et al, PLoS One 2021. The use of transanal irrigation (TAI) with Navina™ Smart, is an effective and well tolerated treatment for bowel dysfunction.
In this clinical study on the use of transanal irrigation (TAI) with Navina™ Smart, Emmanuel et al. show that it was effective and well tolerated.
- All participants had some degree of spinal cord injury (SCI), were naïve to TAI and had moderate to severe bowel dysfunction.
- At 3 months, more than 70% were still using Navina Smart and a significant improvement of bowel function were seen, as measured with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) score.
- Most participants were satisfied with the therapy and with using Navina Smart and had reduced the time spent on daily bowel management with a mean of 30 minutes.
Not only the time spent was reduced, but also the number of methods required to manage their bowel.
- The Navina Smart app was used by most and considered to be very easy or easy to synchronize with the Navina Smart electronic control unit.
- More than half of the participants felt in control since they got continuous feedback on the progress when using the app.
The short-term outcomes of this study showed Navina Smart to be safe to use and it was concluded that Navina Smart is an effective treatment option for individuals with NBD.