Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction following spinal cord injury

Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), which, if left untreated, can result not only in urinary incontinence and an increased risk of urinary tract infections and kidney dysfunction but may also pose a vital threat to people with SCI. Comprehensive neurourological assessments, including patient history and combined video urodynamics, are essential to accurately classify dysfunction and establish therapeutic strategies. Treatment options include, among others, medications for detrusor regulation, intermittent catheterization, and, if necessary, surgical interventions from intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections to sacral deafferentation. An interdisciplinary approach and lifelong follow-up care are crucial for enhancing patients' quality of life and minimizing the risk of urological complications.

Keywords: Deafferentation Sacral Neuromodulation; Spinal cord injury; Video urodynamics.

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.

Kaufmann A. Neurogene Dysfunktion des unteren Harntraktes bei Rückenmarkverletzung [Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction following spinal cord injury]. Urologie. 2025 Feb;64(2):108-119. German. doi: 10.1007/s00120-024-02494-1. Epub 2025 Jan 12. PMID: 39800822.