Functional electrical stimulation of bladder and bowel in spinal cord injury
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Published on: January 10, 2013
William D Steers1, Tyler C Wind, Elizabeth V Jones
1Department of Urology, University of Virginia Healthcare System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. wds6t@virginia.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this collective review is to examine the use of functional electrical stimulation for incontinence. The Finetech-Brindley bladder system enhances voiding through stimulation via electrodes implanted around the ventral sacral roots. Detrusor hyperreflexia is eliminated through complete dorsal rhizotomy, which results in loss of reflex defecation and reflex erection/reflex lubrication. Consequently, a new system is being devised in which functional electrical stimulation for incontinence in spinal cord injury can be achieved without dorsal rhizotomy.
