Neurogenic Bladder
Definition
Neurogenic bladder is a condition characterized by the loss of bladder control due to nerve damage or dysfunction. This can result in either overactive bladder, where the muscles contract too often, or underactive bladder, where the muscles do not contract enough. It can be caused by various underlying medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease.
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Neurogenic Bladder Program
We know that a diagnosis of neurogenic bladder, a form of bladder dysfunction, can significantly impact overall quality of life, and we want to help. Our experts will develop a treatment plan that fits our patients’ lifestyle and will work closely with others who are involved in their care, including neurologists, physiatrists, and primary care specialists. Patients with known, established neurologic diseases who also have bladder symptoms are referred to our urologists for further evaluation. We deliver the best and most current available treatment options for neurogenic bladder, including bladder training, sacral neuromodulation and catheterization. We also offer bladder reconstructive surgery, when needed.Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) & Genitourinary Reconstruction
Our specialists treat a diverse range of benign (non-cancerous) urinary tract conditions, including male urinary issues (enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence), female pelvic floor disorders (urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse), urinary tract reconstruction, and penile and scrotal reconstruction. Genitourinary tract reconstruction Our fellowship-trained specialists offer a wide range of options to address congenital or acquired issues of the urinary tract and male genital tract. We partner with patients to achieve their goals, restore urinary and sexual function, and improve quality of life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common reasons patients have bothersome voiding symptoms or difficulty with urinating. Our specialists can help get to the root cause and offer several treatments, including minimally invasive surgeries such as Urolift. We were also the first in Connecticut to offer Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). Neurogenic bladder We expertly treat those experiencing loss of bladder control after an injury to the nervous system. Our specialists serving those with neurogenic bladder help deliver treatments that can restore independence and make symptoms more manageable. Urogynecology / Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery [FPMRS] More than 50% of women report bladder issues, such as urine leakage or overactive bladder (urinary urgency or frequent urination). Another common issue is pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the uterus and vagina can drop, causing a feeling of a vaginal bulge. There are nonsurgical treatments, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, as well as effective office procedures and minimally invasive surgeries that can treat many of these symptoms. Our specialists will work with our patients to develop an individualized treatment plan and get them back to their active lifestyle, restoring their quality of life.Urology
Urologic diseases affect more than 20 million men, women, and children in the United States. Yale Medicine Urology, named one of the nation’s best urology programs by U.S. News & World Report, cares for adults and children with conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys, pelvic floor, penis, testicles, and urinary tract. Some urologic conditions are present at birth, and others develop over time. Whether for a routine checkup or highly specialized care, our urologists and caregivers provide the most advanced treatment, grounded in research. Our urologists are leaders in the fields of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, as well as men’s health. Our oncology team has made key research breakthroughs in the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer and kidney cancer. In addition, we offer specialized care for kidney disease, incontinence, stone disease, sexual medicine, neurogenic bladder, transgender care, and reconstructive surgery after trauma. We use the most advanced technology and procedures to give our patients the best care available. Our urologists offer Artemis MRI-ultrasound fusion for prostate biopsy, advanced imaging, laparoscopic and daVinci Si robotic surgery, Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), as well as UroLift and GreenLight laser procedures. Our doctors and the hospitals where we provide care rank among the best in the country. In addition to providing treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, we also have offices located in communities across Connecticut. Above all, at Yale Medicine Urology, we believe in the importance of the patient-doctor relationship. It is the cornerstone of what we do—provide compassionate, quality urologic care to every patient, every day. A multidisciplinary team of urologists, specialty-trained nurses, caregivers, and support staff will take care of patients and their families. The urologist leads the care team, providing a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, as well as performing surgery, if needed, and overseeing the patient’s recovery and postsurgical care. The nurse coordinator is the patient’s advocate and care manager throughout care. Studies show that using nurse coordinators can reduce the length of hospital stays and enhance patient outcomes. Practice nurses provide the day-to-day care during clinical appointments or hospital stays. They administer medications, track vital signs, review general test results, respond to patients’ specific needs, and report to other members of the team. They are available around the clock to answer questions and to help patients through their care. The intake specialist helps to ensure patients are ready in advance of their appointment and have all forms and records completed and sent in advance. Intake specialists are experts at understanding the patient appointment and transfer process. If faced with a diagnosis o