Title: Influence of Different Urination Methods on the Urinary Systems of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract: Objective: This study evaluated the influence of different urination methods on the urinary systems of patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: Patients with spinal cord injury were grouped according to their usual voiding method: clean intermittent catheterization (CIC); Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding; indwelling catheterization; normal voiding. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were monitored and type B-ultra -sonography (B-USG) scans, renal function tests and urodynamic studies were performed in all patients over a 2-year period. Results: Compared with the normal voiding group ( n = 14), incidence rates of UTIs were significantly different in the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding ( n = 26) and indwelling catheterization ( n = 12) groups but not in the CIC group ( n = 15). All intervention groups had a significantly higher rate of positive findings on B-USG scan and a significantly increased residual urine volume, compared with the normal voiding group. In addition, residual urine volume was significantly lower in the CIC group compared with the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding and indwelling catheterization groups. Conclusion: CIC was shown to be the optimal method for assisted bladder voiding after spinal cord injury.