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Incontinence (Urinary) (Expert Forum)
back surgeries and incontinence
Answered by
David A Burks, MD - Interstitial Cystitis, Urology
Henry Ford Health Systems
Detroit - MI
Questions in the Urinary Incontinence forum are answered by Dr. David A. Burks, MD from Henry Ford Health Systems.
back surgeries and incontinence
by biglou49, Aug 29, 2009 01:07PM
I have had lumbar laminectomy from s-1 to t-11 with fussion from L-1 TO l-5 and also have all the hardware to go with it,13 hours of surgery, since the surgery I have had incontinence and and extremely overactive bladder, I go at least 20-30 times a day. I also have a constipation problem, please help
Doctor's Answer
by David A Burks, MD, Sep 07, 2009 02:10PM
, Sep 07, 2009 02:10PMTo: biglou49
HI, unfortunately it is not uncommon to have bladder symptoms in the setting of herniated discs/spinal stenosis/scoliosis or surgery to correct them. The nerves that control bladder function come off the sacral cord. It's common for lumbar disc surgery to affect bladder function. It is usually temporary and resolves over time. I recommend you see a urologist who can check to make sure you are emptying your bladder to show you are not retaining urine. An infection needs to be ruled out as well. If this is low volume frequent voiding it's called overactive bladder and there are a number of medications to treat it. Constipation goes along with the bladder problem if the nerves to the pelvis have been affected. Good Luck
