[Transvaginal closure of the bladder neck in women with a neurogenic bladder and destroyed urethra]

Abstract

Complete destruction of the urethra is one of the long-term complications of continuous bladder catheterization in women with advanced neurogenic bladder, resulting in a continuous urine leak around the catheter. This type of incontinence can be treated by closure of the bladder neck associated with suprapubic bladder drainage. Several approaches hve been proposed: abdominal, vaginal and mixed abdominal-vaginal. Each of these techniques is described, together with their results. Closure of the bladder neck decreases the nursing care, reduces the risk of perineal infectious and cutaneous complications and improves the patient's quality of life. Ileal urinary diversion is not always possible in these patients who often have a poor general status. Transvaginal closure of the bladder neck therefore constitutes one of the treatment options.