General evaluation of neurogenic bladder in children

Abstract

With the recent developments in medicine, the number of children with neurogenic bladder has been increased in urology clinics. Being different from adult patients, neurogenic bladder in children is mostly caused by a neuronal tube defect occured during the embryological life. Some of the children are born with an open spinal dysrafism which usually evaluated and followed-up in big centers. But, some of the children with neurogenic bladder are born with an occult spinal dysrafism and they are presented in clinics with the symptoms of neurogenic bladder. Therefore, urologists have to evaluate and treat the children with neurogenic bladder in their practice. Early diagnosis and correct treatment of these patients prevent negative outcome of neurogenic bladder and improve both the survival and quality of life of the patients. In this review, the diagnostic evaluation, treatment and follow-up strategies in children with neurgenic bladder were summarized.