What is TAI?

TAI – Transanal Irrigation is a well-established therapy

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a technique for effectively emptying the bowel. It is a process of facilitating evacuation of stool from the rectum and lower part of the colon by passing water into the bowel. 

TAI helps prevent constipation and incontinence, and also restores predictable bowel function. The therapy puts patients back in control of the time and place of defecation. This control enables users to make plans and live a spontaneous life.

TAI is an effective technique

Although TAI is proven effective, current solutions are perceived as complicated, and many people give up before the therapy has had a chance to prove itself successful. Current solutions have been proved difficult to users with poor motor skills. TAI can reduce both fecal incontinence and constipation, as well as reducing the amount of time spent on bowel management. It can also promote independence from carers in bowel management.

What TAI does

Regular irrigation of the bowel empties the colon and rectum so effectively that it stays empty until next irrigation. This not only prevents fecal incontinence, but also gives the individual control over the time and place of defecation. Also, the insertion of water creates a mass movement from the ascending colon which prevents constipation.

A significant advantage of TAI therapy is the reduction in time and energy needed for effective bowel management.

References:

Emmanuel A et al Spinal Cord 2013; 51(10):732-8
Emmanuel A. Spinal Cord 2010;48(9):664-73
Christensen P et al. Dis Colon Rectum 2009; 52: 286-92
Christensen P et al. Gastroenterology. 2006;131:738-47
Del Popolo G et al. Spinal Cord 2008;46:517-22 
Faaborg PM et al. Spinal Cord 2009;47:545-9