Surgical Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the bladder becomes under or overactive. People with neurogenic bladder have little to no control over their bladder which will frequently and spontaneously release urine. The problem may be controlled with surgical treatment.

Diagnosis

• Neurogenic bladder diagnosis includes urodynamic studies that measure urine flows, bladder pressure and capacity, and bladder emptying. X-rays, MRI and CT scans may be used to check neural brain activity that controls bladder function.

Catheterization

• Catheterization, which aids bladder drainage, involves inserting a tiny tube through the urethra and into the bladder briefly. Indwelling catheterization is a similar procedure in which the catheter is left in the bladder for a longer time.

Stents

• Urethral stents are essentially internal catheters that are surgically inserted into the sphincter muscle. These stents expand the sphincter which allows it to drain.

Resection/Removal

• Sphincter resection is a surgical procedure in which the sphincter muscle is weakened. The entire muscle is removed in a procedure call sphincterotomy.

Treatment

• Artificial sphincters include a cuff around the neck of the bladder, a pump to inflate the cuff and a balloon to regulate pressure. This device is inserted to help the sphincter muscle relax and allow urine to pass.