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Dilemmas in Management of the Geriatric Bladder

  • Reconstructed Bladder Function & Dysfunction (M Kaufman, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, we will review current dilemmas regarding evaluation and management of the geriatric bladder incorporating concepts of normal changes of aging as well as common lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Recent Findings

Increasing age leads to functional changes in essentially all organ systems including the genitourinary system. Understanding the natural changes with age of the bladder as well as the signs and symptoms of pathologic conditions is paramount to diagnosis and treatment of urologic conditions in the geriatric population.

Summary

There are several conundrums in the diagnosis and evaluation of the geriatric bladder including the ability of the bladder to store, empty, as well as sensitivity disturbances. Diagnostic testing and goals of treatment should be individualized for each patient and personalized to consider patient comorbidities, limitations, and expectations.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA

    Siobhan M. Hartigan & W. Stuart Reynolds

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

    Phillip P. Smith

  3. Center on Aging, UConn Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA

    Phillip P. Smith

Authors
  1. Siobhan M. Hartigan
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  2. W. Stuart Reynolds
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  3. Phillip P. Smith
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Correspondence to Phillip P. Smith.

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Conflict of Interest

SM Hartigan, WS Reynolds, and PP Smith declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Funding Information

Relevant to this publication, PPS reports NIA K76AG054777.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Reconstructed Bladder Function & Dysfunction

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Hartigan, S.M., Reynolds, W.S. & Smith, P.P. Dilemmas in Management of the Geriatric Bladder. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 14, 272–279 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00541-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00541-8

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