'Neurogenic' urinary tract dysfunction: Don't overlook the bowel!

Abstract

Study design: Case report. Objectives: To demonstrate that massive constipation is a rare cause for bladder dysfunction. Setting: Paraplegic centre in Switzerland. Method and results: In two patients presenting with acute deterioration of bladder dysfunction, evaluation demonstrated compression of the urinary tract by massively distended colon due to excessive constipation. Conclusion: Colorectal dysfunction may intensify neurogenic urinary tract dysfunction simply by mechanical compression. Treatment of constipation can improve bladder function in these patients. With increasing time since spinal cord injury, the possibility of this finding should be taken into account in patients with newly diagnosed upper or lower urinary tract obstruction. © 2009 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.