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    Didactic Session Proposals

    General Medicine

    Neurogenic Bowel Management: Modern Medical, Interventional & Nursing Solutions

    Friday, November 13, 2026
    3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET

      Session Director(s)

    • Michael Saulino, MD, PhD

      Professor and Chair
      Cooper University Hospital
      Havertown, Pennsylvania

      Disclosure information not submitted.

      • Faculty(s)

    • JJ

      Jaimie John, MD

      Director of SCI Program
      Jefferson Moss Magee Rehabilitation
      Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

      Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Marianne Pedicone, CRRN, RN

      Neuromodulation program nurse coordinator
      Moss Rehabilitation
      Abington, Pennsylvania

      Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

    Disclosure(s):
    Marianne Pedicone, CRRN, RN: No financial relationships to disclose
    Session Description: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is a significant source of morbidity, caregiver burden, and decreased quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury and other neurologic conditions. This session provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of contemporary bowel management strategies, including evidence-based use of stool softeners, osmotic and stimulant agents, and promotility medications, along with guidance on building individualized, guideline-aligned bowel programs. The session also reviews interventional and surgical options such as sacral and tibial nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, ACE procedures, cecostomy/Chait tubes, and fecal diversion to help clinicians understand when and how to escalate care.

    A dedicated rehabilitation nursing component highlights the essential frontline practices that support effective bowel management, including patient and caregiver education, routines that improve consistency, monitoring for skin complications, and strategies to reduce autonomic dysreflexia risk. This section also introduces transanal irrigation systems, with practical instruction on Peristeen and Navina devices, covering patient selection, training, troubleshooting, and how TAI fits within a structured, stepwise bowel program. By integrating medical, technological, and nursing perspectives, this interdisciplinary session equips clinicians with the tools to deliver efficient, dignified, and patient-centered neurogenic bowel care.

    Learning Objectives:

    • identify evidence-based pharmacologic options for neurogenic bowel and select cost-effective medications that optimize stool consistency, evacuation, and patient comfort.
    • explain the clinical role, setup, and troubleshooting of transanal irrigation systems, including Peristeen and Navina, and integrate key nursing interventions into bowel program planning.
    • evaluate indications, benefits, and risks for neuromodulation and surgical procedures used in advanced neurogenic bowel management.
    • develop individualized neurogenic bowel programs by combining medical, technological, and nursing strategies to improve efficiency, independence, and quality of life.
    • assess when to escalate bowel care beyond conservative measures and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary partners, including nursing and surgical specialists.