A dedicated campaign for complete care of bladder and other complications has resulted in the establishment of a first-ever dedicated neuro-urological department in Delhi’s Indian Spinal Injuries Center (ISIC).
According to neuro-urologists at ISIC, a leading center in the field of spinal injury care in South-East Asia, a large number of cases were reported to them where post-spinal cord injury (SCI) surgery patients were never referred to a neuro-urologist. Internal research found that 90% of patients who visited ISIC from other hospitals after spinal surgery had never been referred to a neuro-urologist.
Announcing the launch of the first-ever dedicated neuro-urology department at its center, Dr Dinesh Suman, the director of neuro-urology and SCI Andrology, ISIC, said, “We have a large number of case studies. We have been running a ‘neglected bladder’ campaign. In fact, patients who undergo spinal cord injury surgery at various centers are usually not referred to any appropriate neuro urological services. Our problems are multiplied when they come to us. Hence, we have been getting neglected bladders. In this campaign, we aim to give such patients an opportunity to come to our center for treatment and rehabilitation. ISIC’s internal research finds that of the patients who visited us from other hospitals after spinal surgery, 90% had never been referred to a neuro-urologist.”
This development features comprehensive and dedicated neuro-urologists providing urological, sexual, and fertility care for those who are suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Neuro-urology is a specialized field focusing on the nervous control of the urinary system and the management of urological conditions caused by neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injuries. With the establishment of the department, ISIC aims to advance the field of neuro-urology.
Highlighting the importance of the new department Dr Suman, said, “We’re extremely excited to have launched the department. With over two decades of high-quality services offered by ISIC, now we will be motivated to expand our services to an even higher level of care for a larger number of patients, addressing their specific needs and improving their quality of life.”
Dr. Suman expressed concern over the lack of focus on urinary issues and the prevailing myths and taboos surrounding personal problems in our country. He highlighted that common urinary problems often lead to repeated symptoms of urinary incontinence, uncontrolled urine flow, recurrent infections, and complications such as kidney stones and kidney failure.
These complications result in frequent hospital visits and prolonged treatment, placing a significant burden on patients. Furthermore, patients often shy away from discussing sexual and fertility problems, leading to neglect of these important aspects of their health.
To address these challenges, ISIC has established a comprehensive department under the guidance of dedicated neurologists. Dr. Suman and his team will provide holistic care for patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions, offering a one-stop solution within a single facility.
“Our aim is to eliminate the need for patients to navigate multiple healthcare providers and ensure that their urinary concerns are addressed effectively. The department operates on the principles of the 3Ps (prompt, pre-emptive, and preventive care), emphasizing timely intervention and proactive measures,” Dr. Suman said.
“Dr. Dinesh Suman, and his able team, bring over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of how spinal cord injuries can adversely affect a patient’s urinary system. His experience and dedication will be invaluable to the vast number of spinal cord injury patients across the country,” added Sugandh Ahluwalia, Chief Strategy officer, ISIC.
The dedicated neuro-urology department will offer a range of services, from early care to advanced evaluation and management along with counseling, education, training, and distance support to the SCI patients and their caregivers even during the longer-term follow-up.
The department provides a one-stop comprehensive and affordable solution to the urological, sexual, and fertility concerns of SCI persons including the diagnosis and treatment of bladder dysfunction, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney stones, and other conditions linked to spinal cord injuries.
The experts underpinned the complications and solutions too. Long-term neglect leads to serious complications, including kidney failure, stone formation, and other issues including sexual and fertility problems. The department assures the patients that with proper treatment and care their sexual health and overall well-being will be restored. They can go for marriage and have children. In fact, they would be able to lead a very normal-active healthy life.
