Group sessions: experimental approach to support patients using rectal irrigation

In 2008, group sessions were commenced at the Pelvic Floor Unit of St Thomas' Hospital, London. The aim of these sessions was to give patients the time to deal with the practical aspects of using rectal irrigation (also known as trans-anal irrigation or anal irrigation) and to provide them with a safe and confidential environment to share their experiences of living and coping with a functional bowel disorder. This article describes the group sessions and how the approach was developed such that patients learn from each other. In addition, it discusses the organisation of the group sessions together with the policy and etiquette that govern it, as well as the issues of constipation and faecal incontinence and how rectal irrigation can be part of selected patients' management options. Finally, the author presents anecdotal evidence of a patient's experience.