Discussion
RECTAL PERFORATION
In this study, there was a marked improvement in LARS score in patients using TAI compared with the SOC group at study termination after 3 months. These positive results of TAI with a cone mirror outcomes reported in other preliminary studies with a balloon catheterSelection of the best candidates for colonic irrigation is still a matter of debate, and the optimal postoperative period for starting the irrigations has not been clearly defined. In the present study, the majority of patients had chronic LARS, and so future studies should validate earlier use of the device. Education when introducing TAI is crucial, and the use of a cone catheter requires training for patients to orientate the device and maintain the catheter during irrigation. The major advantage is the safety of the anatomical design. Other studies with a balloon catheter have reported greater difficulties with the use of TAI. Pieniowski The risk of rectal perforation during TAI should be acknowledged. Perforations were reported when TAI was used for other indications, including neurogenic sources of incontinenceDespite these promising results, the present study is limited by the short follow-up of 3 months. These results must be confirmed with longer follow-up to allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the long-term efficacy of TAI and evaluation of the patient’s comfort with the cone