Over-distension therapy of the bladder in paraplegic patients using self-catheterisation: a preliminary study

Over-distension therapy was performed in 60 patients during the period of spinal shock after complete spinal cord injury. Forty-five developed upper motor neurone (UMN) hypo-active decompensated bladder function and 39 achieved satisfactory social activity without urinary incontinence using self-catheterisation. Self catheterisation appeared a safer and more comfortable means of urinary management than trigger voiding in paraplegics with complete spinal cord injury. This is a preliminary communication as it is hoped that a comparative study will follow in due course.