Follow-Up

Abstract

Due to their complex etiology and pathogenesis, symptoms of neurogenic bladder differ significantly in their pattern, severity, degree to which they affect quality of life, and their potential to lead to complications. Guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms exist and are periodically being updated (Ginsberg et al. J Urol., 2021). The need for individualized, “risk-adapted” management has been stressed in recent years. The main goal of neurogenic bladder therapy is preservation of the upper urinary tract and achievement of complete or at least socially acceptable urinary continence. This is very important as incontinence represents a symptom with the most pronounced effect on quality of life. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a dynamic condition, which changes over time. It is, therefore, essential that every patient be regularly evaluated by a urologist. Regular follow-up visits allow for timely adjustments to therapy that coincides with changes throughout the course of disease and early detection of risk factors, which could lead to complications. Diagnostic methods used in the follow-up period and the frequency of follow-up visits must be individualized. Urological literature published to date contains mostly data assessing the treatment and follow-up of patients following spinal cord injury (SCI). Data from randomized clinical studies, which formulate daily clinical practice recommendations for other types of neurogenic bladder, are sparse.