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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Bladder augmentation

    Augmentation is the process of making something larger.

    The bladder can be enlarged if it is not functioning normally. This is achieved by using part of the bowel to alter the bladder surgically. The bowel is a large organ, so a small part of it can be used without causing any problems.

    The procedure is performed by a urologist and involves cutting open the bladder and attaching part of the bowel in the open space like a patch. The bowel is attached to its own blood supply.

    The bowel normally produces mucous and this carries on after it is attached to the bladder. There will always be some amount of mucous in your urine after the procedure and you should discuss how to manage this with your urologist or urology nurse.

    Bladder augmentation
    Bladder augmentation

    Complications

    There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and these should be discussed with your surgeon before you give consent.

    Common complications include:

    • Urine infection
    • Mucous build-up which may cause bladder or kidney stones to form

    There is also an increased risk of cancer after the procedure so your urologist might need to review your bladder function more often than usual. You should speak with your urologist about how often this needs to be done.

    Cystolitholapaxy
    Urethral dilatation

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    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

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    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
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    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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