'Neurogenic' urinary tract dysfunction: don't overlook the bowel!
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that massive constipation is a rare cause for bladder dysfunction.


METHODS
Paraplegic centre in Switzerland.


RESULTS
In two patients presenting with acute deterioration of bladder dysfunction, evaluation demonstrated compression of the urinary tract by massively distended colon due to excessive constipation.


CONCLUSIONS
Colorectal dysfunction may intensify neurogenic urinary tract dysfunction simply by mechanical compression. Treatment of constipation can improve bladder function in these patients. With increasing time since spinal cord injury, the possibility of this finding should be taken into account in patients with newly diagnosed upper or lower urinary tract obstruction.
Department of Neuro-Urology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland. juergen.pannek@paranet.ch
J
J
Pannek
K
K
Göcking
U
U
Bersch
D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000503:physiopathology*