Transurethral sphincterotomy in quadriplegic patients: long-term-follow-up

Sphincterotomy was the treatment of choice in spinal cord injured patients with reflex bladder activity and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after World War II. However, nowadays the conversion of a spastic bladder into a low pressure reservoir by medication or operatively has become a more favourable bladder management. Only in quadriplegic patients who are not able to perform self-catheterization, this treatment modality seemed to be an alternative. With twelve o'clock sphincterotomy, urodynamic parameters of the lower urinary tract can be brought to favourable measures (leak-point, residuals). However, the reoperation rate for the maintenance of these urodynamic results is high (57%). Laser sphincterotomy seems to be advantageous in this respect, as it reduces the need for resphincterotomy significantly. Additionally, 14% of the patients needed operations, which made condom fixation possible. Upper tract could only be preserved if sphincterotomy is done early enough. Patients who do not empty completely while in the wheelchair are at risk to develop a hydronephrosis.