THE MORBIDITY DUE TO LOWER URINARY-TRACT FUNCTION IN SPINAL-CORD INJURY PATIENTS

A review is given of 105 patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury. In 93 patients with a minimum follow up of one year the morbidity due to lower urinary tract function was evaluated, based on the situation at their last control visit. The relation was studied between bladder behaviour and the type of urine evacuation and their influence on upp er urinary tract problems, urinary tract infections, stone formation a nd incontinence. Based on the results of this study the most appropria te method for control of bladder behaviour and urine evacuation in spi nal cord injured patients is discussed in view of new treatment modali ties such as dorsal rhizotomies and the implantation of an anterior sa cral root stimulator.