Do implantable cardioverter-defibrillators confer survival benefit in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Patients with COPD extract survival benefit from the ICD and should therefore not be denied this life-saving therapy.
Patient self reporting of bowel motion, fibre, fluid intake was achievable but consistency of rectal filling was not improved. Improved understanding of the aetiology and management of rectal gas is indicated.