Rehabilitation of micturition by transurethral electrostimulation of the bladder in patients with incomplete spinal cord lesions

Abstract

Abstract. This study shows that in selected patients with incomplete spinal cord lesions, micturition may be aided by a new technique of transurethral electro stimulation.

Quest for standardisation of electrical sensory testing in the lower urinary tract: The influence of technique related factors on bladder electrical thresholds

“…Although electrical current is not a physiological stimulus for sensory receptors, it has been used for several decades both in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in LUTdysfunctions [Frimodt-Moller, 1972;Katona, 1975;Kieswetter, 1977;Powell and Feneley, 1980;Madersbacher et al, 1982;Wyndaele, 1993;Primus et al, 1996]. Determination of electrical thresholds in the LUT was ¢rst described by Frankl-Hochwart and Zuckerlandl in the 19th century, and it was reintroduced by Markland et al in 1965.…”

“…Electrical stimulation is widely used in neurophysiology because of the accuracy and reproducibility of the current parameters. Although electrical current is a nonphysiological stimulus for sensory receptors, it has been successively used in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurogenic LUT dysfunctions [Frimodt-Moller, 1972;Katona, 1975;Kieswetter, 1977;Powell and Feneley, 1980;Madersbacher et al, 1982;Wyndaele, 1993;Primus et al, 1996]. This raises the question whether electrical stimulation also can be used to get an objective ¢gure that represents sensation elicited by bladder ¢lling.…”

Non-Traditional Management of the Neurogenic Bladder: Tissue Engineering and Neuromodulation

“…Spontaneous voiding along with acceptable continence was observed in up to 70% of their patients. While the exact mechanism of action at that time was not understood (and to this day remains poorly understood), subsequent experiments in feline and rat bladders have led researchers to believe that electrical stimulation of the afferent mechanoreceptors causes a reflexive activation of the detrusor muscle [55]. Since the 1970's, other centers around the world have attempted to apply this treatment strategy to different forms of neurogenic bladder.…”

Control of urinary bladder function with devices: successes and failures

“…Few reports of IVES studies in spinal cord injury patients exist, but one dealing specifically with incomplete spinal cord injury patients reported improvements in bladder sensation, detrusor contraction and residual volumes in almost all patients (Madersbacher et al, 1982). A retrospective study on the effectiveness of IVES for patients with spinal cord injury by the same author indicated that one third of the patients experienced improvements in sensation, detrusor contractility and voluntary control.…”