title: Key elements of bladder and Bowel management for children with spinal cord injuries.
abstract: Bladder and bowel management can be one of the most challenging aspects of daily life after spinal cord injury (SCI). Children are especially unique due to their ever-changing growth and developmental considerations. Continence is crucial for children who are still developing self-confidence and self-esteem. Proper bladder and bowel management can impact long-term health and well-being and can also affect quality of life. Providing education and implementation of bladder and bowel management programs are essential for children with SCI. This article will provide a general overview of common bladder and bowel management options for children with SCI. Age-appropriate expectations will be described, as well as patient and family educational strategies, to promote independence when implementing bladder and bowel programs.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Department at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Merenda
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hickey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000451:nursing*; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000628:therapy*