Urologic management of spinal cord injury in children

Abstract

This overview of the management of children with spinal cord injury has focused on a program based on bladder dynamics. The bladder is modulated pharmacologically and surgically, if necessary, to create a reservoir that stores urine at low pressure, and emptying is achieved by clean intermittent catheterization. The parent assumes the responsibility for bladder emptying when the child is unable to perform catheterization. Reflex voiding in a balanced fashion is not advocated. The program described not only avoids the deleterious effects of high voiding pressures, it also obviates the wearing of a urinary collection device, which is impractical for most prepubertal boys, and it provides for emptying at predictable intervals in order to make the child more socially acceptable. This approach seems to improve the child's self-image, and it should increase the chances of useful participation in society and a fulfilling life.