Fathy Shehatto (asker) Nov 29, 2008:

Dear Yahya, You are right about the word "Defecation" but we can't deny that " bowel movement" and "Open your bowels" are two expressions that give the same meaning and refers to the process of bowel evacuation, also "Open your bowels" is commonly used in many medical web sites and texts. you can google "Open your bowels" separately and check how many times it is used. I'm against the idea that it is a translation defect! Kind regards.

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=14364#ign...

http://www.constipationadvice.co.uk/achieving_inner_health/p...

http://www.continencevictoria.org.au/mambo/content/view/36/4...

Fuad Yahya Nov 29, 2008:

No such expression There is no such expression commonly known enough to be placed on a patient questionnaire. You may want to contact your client about this to help them avoid an embarrassment. Defecation is called a bowel movement, not a bowel opening. If the context is about removing a bowel blockage, that is a different matter. I believe they are referring to defecation, but they need help with English. Much of the stuff translators receive for translation from English is written by people whose English leaves a lot to be desired.

Fathy Shehatto (asker) Nov 29, 2008:

Hello Mrs Berner! It is directed to Egyptian patients.

Sam Berner Nov 29, 2008:

Audience? Who is this aimed at, Fathy?