Spine update. Urological management in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Abstract

In the past, urologic complications contributed greatly to spinal cord injury mortality. With improved evaluation and treatment, this is no longer the case. Treatment should be guided by urodynamic data gathered after the resolution of spinal shock symptoms. Goals of treatment are to facilitate voiding, reduce incontinence, and prevent renal damage. Indwelling catheters are almost never indicated for long-term treatment of the neurogenic bladder. Commonly used treatments include intermittent catheterization, condom catheter drainage with sphincter ablation, and pharmaceutical manipulation. Electrical stimulation of sacral nerve roots shows promise for future therapy.