A proposed guideline for the urological management of patients with spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To develop a guideline for the urological management of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: The existing practice in the UK was evaluated by a series of expert meetings. Previous publications on the subject were evaluated, and the information synthesized to produce a proposed guideline. RESULTS: The literature review showed limited good-quality data. As a result of the process a series of research questions was produced, the answers to which would allow a guideline to be established based on good-quality evidence. In the absence of high-quality evidence, the guideline was constructed using expert opinion. Urological care is described in the immediate, intermediate and long-term phases after SCI. CONCLUSION: The urological consequences of SCI can be devastating. Urological care is an important part of the holistic care of these patients, and should be delivered from SCI centres through a network of qualified clinicians.