BMC urology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Protocol for a randomized clinical trial investigating early sacral nerve stimulation as an adjunct to standard neurogenic bladder management following acute spinal cord injury.
Neurogenic bladder (NGB) dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally irreversible. Preliminary animal and human studies have suggested that initiation of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) immediately following SCI can prevent neurogenic detrusor overactivity and preserve bladder capacity and compliance. We designed a multicenter randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of early SNM after acute SCI. ⋯ This research protocol is multi-centered, drawing participants from large referral centers for SCI and has the potential to increase options for bladder management after SCI and add to our knowledge about neuroplasticity in the acute SCI patient.