Early and late management of the neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injury patients.

Early and late management of neuropathic bladders in 562 consecutive patients with spinal cord injuries is described. Indications for an operation to relieve outlet obstruction by transurethral resection and external sphincterotomy are outlined, and the management of urinary infection and incontinence is discussed. Approximately 30 per cent of all spinal cord injury patients had outlet obstruction for which either external sphincterotomy, transurethral resection or both procedures were necessary. Operations appeared to be required more frequently in patients with complete and thoracic lesions, and more than 1 operation may be necessary to achieve satisfactory bladder emptying.