Lower urinary tract dysfunction in ambulatory patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

We evaluated urinary tract dysfunction in individuals with spinal injury who remained able to ambulate. We observed changes with time in urological management.

All patients attending outpatient clinics with traumatic, incomplete (American Spinal Injury Association grades D and E) spinal cord injury during a 2-year period were identified. All patients had their hospital notes reviewed retrospectively and salient urological data extracted.

A total of 43 men and 21 women were identified during this period. Mean age was 46 years (range 18 to 70). Mean followup was 7 years (range 1 to 18). At the time of inpatient discharge 40 of the 64 patients (62.5%) could void spontaneously, 20 required CSIC and 4 had a suprapubic catheter. In 19 of these 40 patients (47.5%) who had been initially assessed as having a bladder that was safe to void spontaneously the condition deteriorated, such that CSIC was required. Conversely 5 of 20 patients (25%) who initially required CSIC improved, such that it became redundant. At last followup 68.7% of the patients had abnormal urodynamics and 24 of the 64 (37.5%) required a change in urological management despite no appreciably detectable neurological change.

Despite relatively near total neurological recovery patients with incomplete SCI have neuropathic bladder unless proved otherwise. Salient deterioration in bladder dysfunction is not uncommon. Regular urological monitoring and appropriate treatment changes are required in the long term.