The role of adjunctive drug therapy for intermittent catheterization and self-catheterization in children with vesical dysfunction

Abstract

Thirty-nine children with vesical dysfunction were managed with clean intermittent catheterization. Most children achieved effective urinary continence, the majority with the help of adjunctive drug therapy to relax the detrusor, contract the bladder neck or both. Intermittent catheterization had a generally favourable effect on infection, reflux and hydronephrosis. Intermittent catheterization in childhood is a perferred alternative to urinary diversion in cases of neurogenic bladder dysfunction.