Recent advances in the management of the neurogenic bladder

Proper evaluation of the neurogenic bladder remains the cornerstone for accurate management of the neurologically impaired patient. Due to the inherent progressive nature of many neurologic disorders causing bladder dysfunction and lack of targeted medical therapy, much work has been done and needs to be done to advance the management of this often-difficult patient population. This article reviews the latest advances in managing the neurogenic bladder. For ease of review, the neurogenic bladder can be divided into 2 basic categories: first, bladders that fail to empty successfully and, second, those that fail to store urine adequately. Therapy should be based on these categories because poor therapeutic results are seen when a standard treatment is prescribed for the wrong bladder condition. Given the success of other specialties (physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, and neurology) at improving and prolonging the lives of the neurologically impaired patient, the urologist has an increasing responsibility to evaluate and treat the neurogenic bladder effectively over a life span that is approaching that of the normal population.