Urology
Urological Conditions
Neurogenic Bladder
Treatment for Neurogenic Bladder
Treatment for neurogenic bladder depends on the type of problem (overactive or underactive bladder) and cause of the nerve damage. Options include:
For overactive bladder, incontinence, urine leakage:
- Medications that help the bladder stay relaxed (so it doesn’t contract and empty itself at the wrong time or leak urine)
- Antibiotics for treatment of UTI
- Surgical replacement of the sphincter muscle (which holds urine in by squeezing the urethra shut)
- In extreme cases, surgery to increase bladder size, construct an alternate tube for emptying the bladder, or make other changes to the urinary system
For inability to urinate, urinary retention:
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Use of a catheter (a thin tube that is slid through the urethra, up to the bladder) to regularly empty the bladder
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Endoscopic surgery to improve urine flow
- Endoscopic surgery uses an endoscope, a very thin, tubular medical instrument that can be inserted into the body for diagnostic exams and surgical procedures
- Endoscopic surgery is considered minimally invasive because it does not require a major incision or long recovery period