The morbidity due to lower urinary tract function in spinal cord injury patients.

A review is given of 105 patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury. In 93 patients with a minimum follow up of one year the morbidity due to lower urinary tract function was evaluated, based on the situation at their last control visit. The relation was studied between bladder behaviour and the type of urine evacuation and their influence on upper urinary tract problems, urinary tract infections, stone formation and incontinence. Based on the results of this study the most appropriate method for control of bladder behaviour and urine evacuation in spinal cord injured patients is discussed in view of new treatment modalities such as dorsal rhizotomies and the implantation of an anterior sacral root stimulator.