An assessment of the use of a continent catheterizable stoma in female tetraplegics.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the success of a continent catheterizable stoma in females with cervical spinal cord injury which resulted in neurogenic bladder dysfunction, the management of which may require clean intermittent catheterization despite altered hand function.


METHODS
Six female tetraplegic patients with a lesion at C7 or above (age range 12-22 years) had a continent catheterizable abdominal stoma formed as part of their bladder management. As an objective measure of effectiveness, the time to complete catheterization was assessed before and after surgery. A quality-of-life survey at a mean (range) of 44 (6-90) months was also evaluated.


RESULTS
All six patients can catheterize while in their wheelchair. The mean (range) time required for catheterization decreased from 27 (10-40) to 7.8 (1-15) min after surgery. All six reported a significant improvement in continence, body image, independence, convenience, time saving and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Constructing a continent catheterizable stoma is a valuable option in selected tetraplegic patients.
Department of Urology, UC Davis Medical School, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. kilian.walsh@kingsch.nhs.uk
Kilian
K
Walsh
Scott A
SA
Troxel
Anthony R
AR
Stone
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D054047:Surgical Stomas; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D016476:Urinary Reservoirs, Continent