Rehabilitation of micturition in patients with incomplete spinal cord lesions by transurethral electrostimulation of the bladder.
Since the first description of the method of transurethral electrostimulation by Katona in 1956, controversial opinions have been published. In contrast to other types of electrical bladder stimulation the physiological basis for this method of treatment is the stimulation of receptors in the bladder wall. With the help of forceful stimuli damaged neurons may be activated leading to clinical success. This report presents our results over a 4-year period using stimulation parameters other than those published to date and studying the effects objectively by using urodynamic techniques. The results obtained in 30 adults with neurogenic bladder disturbance due to incomplete traumatic cord lesions will be presented under the following headings; development or alteration of bladder sensation or of detrusor contraction, the achievement of bladder control and the efficiency of micturition as shown by the decrease of residual urine. The method is helpful in the restoration of micturition in patients with incomplete traumatic spinal cord lesions: 26 out of 30 patients gained perfect bladder sensation, 25 of them achieved satisfactory bladder contractions, 28 ended the stimulation program with a residual below 50 cm3 and 17 out of 30 gained perfect bladder control, 10 others became at least socially dry without need for pads or urinals.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications; D014521:Urethra; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000294:innervation; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*