Bladder and bowel management for the child with spinal cord dysfunction.

Bladder and bowel management can be a challenge to adults and children with spinal cord dysfunction. Children are especially challenging due to their everchanging growth and developmental considerations. Bladder/bowel incontinence can bring about teasing from a child's peers and lead to social isolation. The achievement of continence is a major developmental landmark in the formation of social autonomy in children. Providing education and implementation of bladder/bowel management programs is essential for a child with neurogenic bladder/bowel. This article provides a general overview of common bladder and bowel management options for children with spinal cord dysfunction. Both traditional and innovative management options for the bladder and bowel will be described. Age-appropriate expectations and factors to assess child readiness as well as patient and family educational strategies to promote independence when implementing bladder and bowel programs are described.