Bladder rehabilitation in patients with old spinal cord injuries with bladder neck incision and external sphincterotomy.

Seventy-five patients with neurogenic bladders underwent bladder neck incision and/or external sphincterotomy to establish effective vesical emptying and reverse progressive hydronephrosis. A second operation to achieve these goals was necessary in 11 cases. The over-all success rate of these procedures in improving urinary tract stability was 94 per cent. Complications were infrequent, with hemorrhage and impaired penile erection being the principal problems. Eradication of established urinary tract infections was poor. However, infection-related morbidity was improved.