Bladder and bowel management for the child with spinal cord dysfunction

J Spinal Cord Med. 2004:27 Suppl 1:S16-23. doi: 10.1080/10790268.2004.11753780.

Abstract

Bladder and bowel management can be a challenge to adults and children with spinal cord dysfunction. Children are especially challenging due to their everchanging growth and developmental considerations. Bladder/bowel incontinence can bring about teasing from a child's peers and lead to social isolation. The achievement of continence is a major developmental landmark in the formation of social autonomy in children. Providing education and implementation of bladder/bowel management programs is essential for a child with neurogenic bladder/bowel. This article provides a general overview of common bladder and bowel management options for children with spinal cord dysfunction. Both traditional and innovative management options for the bladder and bowel will be described. Age-appropriate expectations and factors to assess child readiness as well as patient and family educational strategies to promote independence when implementing bladder and bowel programs are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications*
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / therapy*
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy*