K59.2: Neurogenic bowel, not elsewhere classified

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus.

There are muscles in the wall of the intestines. The intestines regularly contract and relax due to the muscles in the wall. As a result, food in the intestines is conveyed toward the anus.

There are many nerve cells in the wall of the intestines. These nerve cells control the movements of the bowels. There are other nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that influence the movements of the bowels. The nerve cells from the brain or spinal cord have processes that extend to the intestines. These processes are called nerve fibers.

In your case, nerve fibers or nerve cells that control the movements of the bowels were damaged. That can occur when the spinal cord is injured. But it can also occur as a result of other diseases in which nerve cells are damaged.

If the nerve fibers or nerve cells for the bowels are damaged, the bowels may no longer be able to work normally. As a result, you may have constipation. You may also no longer be able to hold feces in your bowels.