Conservative bladder management in advanced multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Anticholinergics and intermittent catheterization are the cornerstones of bladder management in early multiple sclerosis (MS). In advanced MS however, bladder management is based more on tradition than on evidence. Nurses seem to deal with catheter problems and chronic incontinence. Despite the abundant use of indwelling catheters, there is a lack for guidelines on catheter-induced problems. The psychosexual and social impact of bladder problems in advanced MS is often neglected. The international multidisciplinary special interest group on sexual, urological and bowel dysfunction in MS (SUBDIMS) as a special interest group of the Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (RIMS) was confronted with a high variability in practice and a lack of guidelines. A literature review was prepared during three multidisciplinary expert meetings. This review will be the basis of further initiatives to improve the urological treatment of patients with advanced MS.