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What is the Urinary Tract?

Urinary tract refers to the system that is concerned with formation, storage and excretion of urine. It consists of two kidneys that lie at the back of upper part of abdomen, one on each side. Urine formed in the kidneys is drained by two hollow tubular structures, called the ureters into the bladder.

 

Bladder is a hollow muscular bag that lies in the lower part of abdomen. Bladder serves to hold urine till it is full and then contracts to empty itself through another hollow tube called urethra, to the outside. A muscular valve, called the sphincter, located in the urethra, keeps the urethra closed & opens when a person wishes to pass urine.

 

How would my urinary system be affected by the SCI (spinal cord injury)?

 

Depending upon the type and level of your injury, some functions of the bladder will be affected either temporarily or permanently. Some of the common changes that you may observe are:

1.  Lack of sensation of

# bladder fullness and/or

# bladder fullness recognised by excessive sweating, flushing, tremors, headache,

2.  Inability to judge urine leakage that occurs without one?s knowledge

3.  Inability to control passage of urine

4.  Inability to pass urine at all or fully.

 

Depending upon neurological status, each person will observe either one or various combinations of above mentioned symptoms. Neurological recovery takes a long time and this period may vary from few weeks to months to years. Therefore, the final behavior pattern of bladder function will also take time to emerge.

 

Immediately after SCI, the spinal is in a shock phase. During this phase, there is complete inactivity of the bladder and its muscles are not capable of contraction. Therefore, the bladder will continue to store large volumes of urine, becoming over distended. This state of over distention is detrimental for eventual bladder muscle recovery and imparts over stretching and thinning of its muscle. Over distension is prevented by an indwelling catheter placed in the bladder to keep it empty. This catheter is passed via the urethra and connected to a collection bag. Between 2-4 weeks when the spinal shock begins to wear, the indwelling catheter is removed and you will start doing intermittent catheterisation scheduled every 4-6 hours. 

How does the bladder function

 

Urine is stored in the bladder. As the bladder becomes full this information is passed via your spinal cord centers to your brain. If you wish to empty your bladder, then the bladder muscle contracts to empty the bladder.

 

Normally the desire can be modified. One can suppress the desire to pass urine until an appropriate time or place is available. Usually, the bladder empties completely leaving behind insignificant residue. Presence of large volume of urine at the end of voiding happens either because of weak muscles or some obstruction along the outlet.

 

How does level of injury affect your bladder Management Programme ?

 

Generally there are two ways the bladder works after a spinal cord injury. Spastic or Reflex Bladder means that when your bladder fills with urine, a reflex automatically triggers the bladder to empty. The problem in a reflex bladder is you do not know when the bladder will empty. Reflex or spastic bladder usually occurs when the injury is above the T12 level. The choice of bladder management methods for an individual with a spastic/reflex bladder includes intermittent catheterisation, indwelling catheter and condom drainage.

 

Flaccid or non-reflex bladder means ones reflexes may be sluggish or absent. You may not feel when the bladder is full. It then becomes over distended and stretched. This can cause the urine to back-up through the ureters to the kidney. Individuals with injuries below T12/L1 usually have a flaccid bladder. The bladder management system most commonly used is intermittent catheterisation. To avoid problem do not allow more than 400 cc of urine to fill in your bladder.

 

 

What is a Bladder Management Programme?

 

A bladder management programme allows you to plan for bladder emptying is an acceptable manner when it is convenient for you. This helps you to avoid accidents and prevent infections. Your level and type of Injury will affect the choice you and your doctor make for your bladder programme. Because each person?s injury is different, your doctor will probably conduct some tests to see how your bladder functions. You also need to consider your hand function. How easy is it for you to do your own bladder programme? Can you manage alone or will you need help? During your rehabilitation you learn different ways to empty your bladder. The methods most frequently used are intermittent catheterisation; indwelling catheter; and the condom external catheter for male. You may use just one programme or a combination of methods. You will decide the method that works best for you.

 

How can I prevent leaking when I have to go out for more than 6 hours?

 

You can prevent leaking and have a pleasant outing by regulating your water intake. Maintaining a voiding diary may help you plan. A voiding diary is a statement of water intake Vs urine output in relation to time. By analysing the diary, one can find out that by regulating the water intake at these times, one can reduce my urine output at specified times to be comfortable.

 

How to keep the urinary system healthy?

 

Individuals with SCI are more likely to have urinary infection or other urinary problems with the urinary system. To avoid problems and keep you?re urinary system healthy.

1. Empty your bladder completely

            After your SCI your bladder often does not empty completely. The residual urine becomes a breeding medium from bacteria and germs that may cause infection.

 

2. Use a ?clean technique? Catheterisation

            Always wash your hands before and after doing catheterisation. Be sure your catheter and equipment are clean.

 

3.Keep skin clean and dry

            Change your wet or soiled clothes immediately to avoid any bacterial growth in the genital area. Clean the area around the genitals with soap and water everyday

 

4. Drink plenty of liquids

            A steady intake of fluids helps ?wash-out? bacteria and waste materials. Drinking the recommended amount of liquids helps avoid problems. How much fluid you need to drink each day depends on your bladder management. Water is the best fluid to drink.

 

5. Keep bladder pressure low

            While your need to drink the recommended amount of fluid, you also need to empty your bladder on a regular schedule. Do not let more than 400cc of urine collect in your bladder anytime.

 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

 

Loss of normal bladder function after spinal cord injury places you at an increased risk for urinary tract infection (UTI), regardless of the bladder management system you follow. Urinary tract infection can occur in the bladder, kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract.

 

Symptoms

            The most common symptoms of bladder infection include going to the bathroom more frequently, passing blood in the urine, cloudy and odorous urine, increased spasticity in the lower extremities, fever and chills. Depending on your level of injury, your may fee a burning with urination, or discomfort in the lower pelvic area, abdomen or lower back.        

 

Treatment

            If you notice any of these symptoms see the doctor for laboratory tests to determine the need for treatment. Research shows that UTIs that do not have symptoms usually do not need treatment with antibiotics. Use antibiotics only when symptoms (fever, chills and pain) are present. Your doctor based on your Urine Culture Report will prescribe antibiotics.

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