Publication
Title
EAU guidelines on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Author
Abstract
Context Most patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) require life-long care to maintain their quality of life (QoL) and to maximise life expectancy. Objective To provide a summary of the 2008 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on NLUTD and to assess the effectiveness of currently available diagnostic tools, particularly ultrasound imaging and urodynamics. Evidence acquisition The recommendations provided in the 2008 EAU guidelines on NLUTD are based on a review of the literature, using online searches of Medline and other source documents published between 2004 and 2007. A level of evidence and/or a grade of recommendation have been assigned to the guidelines where possible. Evidence synthesis NLUTD encompasses a wide spectrum of pathologies, and patients often require life-long, intensive medical care to maximise their life-expectancy and to maintain their QoL. Treatment must be tailored to the needs of the individual patient and, in many cases, involves a multidisciplinary team of experts. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential if irreversible deterioration of both the upper and lower urinary tracts are to be avoided. Therapeutic decisions are made on the basis of a comprehensive medical assessment, including urodynamics to identify the type of dysfunction. Advances in investigative technologies have facilitated the noninvasive and conservative management of patients who have NLUTD. Conclusions The diagnosis and treatment of NLUTD, which is a highly specialised and complex field involving both urology and medicine, requires up-to-date expert advice to be readily available. The current guidelines are designed to fulfil this need.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European urology / European Association of Urology. - Basel
Publication
Basel : 2009
ISSN
0302-2838
DOI
10.1016/J.EURURO.2009.04.028
Volume/pages
56 :1 (2009) , p. 81-88
ISI
000267234100018
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.09.2009
Last edited 25.05.2022
To cite this reference