Lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions are frequent sequelae of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases that require adequate management. All three pelvic organ dysfunction severely compromise quality of life and can jeopardize health. Thus, treatment is mandatory and therapy options range from simple conservative measures to major surgery. The main therapeutic principles that should be considered in regard to treatment of pelvic organ dysfunction include protection of kidney function, reduction of urinary and/or faecal incontinence, independent management of lower urinary tract and bowel function, ability to sustain a satisfactory sexual relationship, fertility support, and improvement of quality of life. To comply with such principles and to select, initiate, maintain, and eventually adapt the ‘optimal’ treatment regimen for each patient requires a specialized multidisciplinary team not only during inpatient rehabilitation but also during outpatient follow-up.
This chapter provides an overview on the management of lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual dysfunction and aims to sensitize healthcare professionals for this essential part/aspect of neurorehabilitation.