Neurogenic Bladder Program

The Division of Urology is a leader in the care of children with neurogenic bladder.  We provide care for more than 1,000 patients who have this condition.

Urinary management plan

Spina bifida is the most common cause of a neurogenic bladder in children. Other common causes of neurogenic bladder include: tethered spinal cord, caudal regression, transverse myelitis, spinal cord injury, sacrococcygeal teratoma, and Hinman syndrome. If you or your child has any one of these diagnoses, we will monitor the bladder and kidneys closely to determine what types of intervention might be necessary to keep your child healthy. We will focus on the health of the kidneys and bladder and as the patient gets older, their ability to be socially continent.

Patients are generally seen yearly from diagnosis through young adulthood. As the patients grows and develops, their bladder does as well. At times this can be a benefit, but at other times changes in the bladder can lead to complications including: urinary tract infections (UTI), hydronephrosis, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, kidney or bladder stones. Our initial plan usually involves some combination of catheterization and the use of medication to help the bladder store urine effectively. If the patients develops a complication related to their neurogenic bladder our team will work with the patient and family to develop strategies to help prevent these problems from occurring.

In some cases surgery may be appropriate for those patients with recurrent febrile UTIs, severe hydronephrosis, urinary retention or patients whose incontinence cannot be controlled through medical measures. Learn more about the treatment options available to children with neurogenic bladder.

Our team

Our patients and families work collaboratively with our team of surgeons, dedicated advanced practice providers, nurses who specialize in incontinence and catheterization, and psychologists who specialize in working with children who have chronic conditions.

Our team works closely with our disciplines including the Spina Bifida Program, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Gastroenterology, Radiology, Psychology, and Social Workers to ensure all of the patients health care needs are being met.


Next Steps