Neurogenic Bladder MDT Clinic: Beyond Urination, Protecting Your Life and Health

[Caution] Your Bladder May Be “Striking”

Neurogenic bladder, simply put, is a condition where the nervous system controlling bladder function is damaged. It is like the water system in our home: if the faucet switch is broken, it either cannot close tightly and keeps leaking, or it cannot be turned on and water cannot flow out. Under normal circumstances, our brain precisely controls the bladder’s storage and voiding functions through the nervous system. However, when the nervous system is damaged, this precise control system malfunctions, leading to urinary dysfunction.

This condition is commonly seen in the following groups:

◇ Patients with spinal cord injury (e.g., from car accidents or falls) and patients with myelomeningocele

◇ Patients with post-stroke sequelae

◇ Patients with long-term diabetes

◇ Patients with Parkinson’s disease

◇ Patients after pelvic surgery

Without timely and standardized treatment, it can lead to a series of serious consequences, including recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and most dangerously, renal failure. This is because when urine cannot be expelled normally, it can cause reflux, leading to irreversible damage to the kidneys.

These “Home Remedies” Are Harming Your Kidneys

In terms of treatment, many people resort to seemingly effective but actually harmful “home remedies.” For example, forcefully pressing on the abdomen to urinate can actually push urine back into the kidneys, accelerating kidney damage. Long-term indwelling catheterization or suprapubic cystostomy not only increases the risk of infection but may also elevate the risk of bladder cancer with prolonged use. Some people self-administer antibiotics at the first sign of discomfort, which can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, potentially leaving no effective treatment options.

Standardized treatment should follow these steps: First, a detailed evaluation is necessary, including urodynamic studies and renal ultrasound. Urodynamic studies are like a comprehensive check-up for the bladder, accurately assessing its functional status.

In terms of treatment, clean intermittent catheterization is currently the gold standard for managing bladder emptying failure. This method requires the patient to self-catheterize at scheduled times each day using a dedicated catheter. Although it requires learning and adaptation, it is significantly safer than long-term indwelling catheterization, with a markedly reduced risk of infection. Depending on the severity of the condition, medication may also be necessary. In some cases, surgical treatments such as a “bladder pacemaker” may be considered.

Professional Treatment Gives the Bladder a “New Lease on Life”

Fortunately, for such complex conditions, our hospital has specially established a Neurogenic Bladder Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Clinic.

◇ Participating departments and specialists include: Professor Xie Keji’s team from the Department of Urology, Professor Yu Xinguang’s team from the Department of Neurosurgery, Professors Ding Chengyun and Jin Guang’s team from the Department of Neurology, Professor Yu Lehua’s team from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, and Professor Liu Ming’s team from the First Department of Orthopedics, among other multidisciplinary experts. The multidisciplinary team is led by Director Xie Keji.

◇ Features: Collaboration of a multidisciplinary expert team, providing precise assessment, personalized treatment plans, and long-term follow-up.

◇ Clinic Hours: Every Monday afternoon

◇ Clinic Location: Neurology Center MDT Consultation Room, 2nd Floor, Outpatient Building

In daily life, patients should maintain adequate hydration, drinking 1.5-2 liters of water per day. It is crucial not to reduce water intake due to fear of leakage. It is recommended to develop the habit of keeping a voiding diary, recording the time and volume of each urination in detail. Hands must be thoroughly cleaned before any catheterization procedure, and renal function should be checked every six months.

A special reminder is necessary: many patients delay seeking medical attention due to embarrassment, only coming to the hospital when severe kidney damage has already occurred. If you or a family member experiences difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, especially with a history of stroke, diabetes, or spinal cord injury, be sure to visit the Neurogenic Bladder MDT Clinic promptly. The earlier standardized treatment begins, the more effectively kidney function can be protected.