ABSTRACT
Disorders of the bladder can range from the most common problems such as dysfunctional voiding to very complex neuropathic bladder dysfunction. All children with overt or suspected bladder dysfunction should undergo a thorough evaluation including history and physical examination followed by laboratory tests. Taking a detailed history is of paramount importance in the workup of children with bladder dysfunction, including prenatal health and complications, birth and development. The most common aetiology of bladder dysfunction in children is abnormal development of the spinal canal and spinal cord. Children with thoracic and upper lumbar meningocele often have intact sacral reflex arc and no demonstrable loss of function. Urinary and faecal continence is becoming increasingly important to deal with at an early age as parents try to mainstream handicapped children. Urinary continence can be initially managed by clean intermittent catheterisation, pharmacotherapy to maintain low intravesical pressure if there is a reasonable level of urethral resistance.
