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Urology (Expert Forum)
spina bifida and bladder retention
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
spina bifida and bladder retention
by cam__0__0, Feb 13, 1999 12:00AM
I am wondering after 40+years of having no "outward signs of bladder problems why now I would be unable to empty out and have to "push" to release the bladder contents. As far as I know, I have always had nerve endings that have worked and even though I have the lower L4 and L5 spinal area affected, I have "had" up to this point full function of bladder and bowels ( along with full function of the legs. Is there any research done on the middle aged spina bifida women and is there any reason for a neuralogical change to occur in the 40's. I have had no biological children and have had no surgeries since childhood.
No reocurring infections up untill the past 3 months when they started checking me for retention ( cath. I think, was causing the infections).
No reocurring infections up untill the past 3 months when they started checking me for retention ( cath. I think, was causing the infections).
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-CK, Feb 13, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear cam,
Urinary retention is the inability to completly empty the bladder of urine. It is associated with urinary tract infections, kidney damage, overflow incontinence, and sometimes urinary frequency. The causes of urinary retention include obstruction of the urethra from strictures or an enlarged prostate. Other causes include diabetes, stroke, pelvic surgery, trauma, spina bifida,multiple sclerosis that ultimately affect the bladder's ability to contract.
In your case, you have had a change in your voiding status. An evaluation including urodynamic studies is indicated. If in fact no obstruction is seen, then a bladder cause should be further investigated. Is there associated constipation, use of narcotic pain medicines, immobility, lower extremity numbness or weakness? A neurologist visit may prove useful. Changes in patients over time can be seen, but usually a tethered cord syndrome is seen at an earlier age than 40.
Treatment for urinary retention in the absence of obstruction is generally clean intermittent catheterization.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is
your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that
you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS M.D. CK
* Keyword: urinary retention
