[Neurourology. Current developments and therapeutic strategies]

There is no part of urology that has made so much progress in the last 25 years as neurourology. Seminal developments have been made in the selective effectiveness of drugs influencing neurogenic bladder dysfunction but having limited side effects. Additional advances are also likely to be made in the methods of functional electrostimulation and tissue engineering. Neurourology is predominantly influenced by our dynamic-functional understanding and the functionally oriented planning and implementation of treatment. The initial treatment options in many areas of neurourology are conservative, but, when possible, not irreversible. If these are ineffective or lead to late complications (e.g. by congenital paraplegia), there are a series of organ sparing or organ manipulating operations which can restore organ function. These make it possible to save kidney function from continuing damage, and, in many cases, to restore continence. The permanent indwelling catheter should remain excluded from the treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. With adequate treatment, patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction can be protected from severe complications and reintegrated into their normal social environment. After the acute phase of rehabilitation, urology is the most commonly required specialist area for paraplegic patients. In the past, urological problems have contributed most to the short lifespan of patients with an accident related spinal cord injury. Using modern neurourological treatment strategies, not only is lifespan increased but the quality of life of the patient is permanently improved.