Clinical application of electronic bladder stimulation in paraplegics.
Ten patients have received bladder stimulators in a clinical trial to reduce urologic complications of neuropathic bladders. Preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques are discussed. Several patients void with the stimulator, and maintain low residual urine and a reduced incidence of infection. Two patients are total failures and 1 is in the early postoperative period. The physiological mechanisms involved are discussed. Additional investigation is  needed for a means to deliver the stimulus to a more precise localization. Further clinical trials are warranted.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications*; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control