The effects of urodynamic analysis and individualized bladder training on bladder function after spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To explore any effect of combining urodynamic analysis with individualized bladder training in rehabilitating neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Methods Urology patients who had suffered a spinal cord injury were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Both groups were given routine drugs and intermittent catheterization based on a urodynamics analysis using the Laborie urodynamic analyzer. The experimental group also received individualized bladder training for eight weeks. The bladder balance time and urinary infection rate of both groups were recorded 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Results After treatment, all of the patients were able to achieve bladder balance, but the average bladder balance time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the patients in the control group with similar injuries. After 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks the incidence of urinary infection in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group. Moreover, after the treatment the average bladder storage volume (VH2O), bladder compliance (BC), bladder pressure (Pves) and detrusor pressure (Pdet) of both groups were significantly better than before the treatment, but the results of the experimental group were, on average, significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusion Individualized bladder training can effectively promote bladder balance and reduce the risk of urinary infection after spinal cord injury. Key words: Spinal cord injury; Urodynamic analysis; Bladder training