Barry Duel

Dr. Barry Duel


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 February 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Albert Yuh Chyuan ShanAlbert Yuh Chyuan Shan
Albert Yuh Chyuan Shan
BDBarry Duel
Barry Duel
TPTimothy Phillips
Timothy Phillips
PBPaula Buchanan
Paula Buchanan
LRLeonel Rodriguez
Leonel Rodriguez
DPDhiren Patel
Dhiren Patel
Background/Objectives: Patients with spina bifida (SB) commonly experience neurogenic bowel dysfunction, characterized by defecation-related symptoms. While anorectal dysfunction and slow transit constipation (STC) have been implicated, the role of colonic motility in SB remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate colonic motility in SB patients with refractory bowel dysfunction. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included SB patients who failed the repeated optimization of a bowel regimen including stimulant laxatives and subsequently underwent anorectal manometry (ARM), colonic transit time (CTT) studies, or colonic manometry (CM). Diagnostic findings were analyzed alongside treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 13 patients with myelomeningocele were included; one declined further treatment, and 12 underwent treatment optimization, with four achieving bowel continence. Of the five patients who proceeded with advanced motility testing, two had abnormal ARM findings, one of three had abnormal CTT results, and all five had normal CM findings. Conclusions: These findings suggest that anorectal dysfunction or STC may play a larger role in refractory bowel symptoms, while colonic motility appears to be preserved, and this highlights the importance of maximizing conservative therapies, particularly with stimulant laxatives, before pursuing invasive tests or surgical interventions for bowel dysfunction in this population.