PURPOSE: For patients with spinal cord injuries who are unable to perform clean intermittent self-catheterization, sphincterotomy is performed most commonly to avoid high bladder pressure. This procedure causes additional trauma and does not always lead to a satisfactory result. Therefore, we sought an alternative therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We introduce our initial experience with the UroLume Wallstent* in the treatment of 51 patients with spinal cord injuries and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (observation time 12 to 36 months). Prior sphincterotomy was unsuccessful in all patients. RESULTS: All observed urodynamic, radiological and clinical findings improved, and the results are encouraging. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of this device seems to be appropriate in select paraplegic patients.
PURPOSE: For patients with spinal cord injuries who are unable to perform clean intermittent self-catheterization, sphincterotomy is performed most commonly to avoid high bladder pressure. This procedure causes additional trauma and does not always lead to a satisfactory result. Therefore, we sought an alternative therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We introduce our initial experience with the UroLume Wallstent* in the treatment of 51 patients with spinal cord injuries and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (observation time 12 to 36 months). Prior sphincterotomy was unsuccessful in all patients. RESULTS: All observed urodynamic, radiological and clinical findings improved, and the results are encouraging. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of this device seems to be appropriate in select paraplegic patients.