Pilot Evaluation of Functional Questionnaire for Predicting Ability of Patients With Tetraplegia to Self-Catheterize After Continent Diversion

The study explores using a questionnaire to predict if patients with tetraplegia can self-catheterize after a continent diversion, a surgical procedure creating a stoma for easier catheterization. The questionnaire assesses the patient's self-perceived ability to perform upper extremity tasks, similar to manipulating a catheter. The results showed a correlation between the functional scores from the questionnaire and the ability to self-catheterize, suggesting it may be a useful tool for selecting appropriate candidates for the surgery.

• 1
  Functional scores correlated with the level of spinal cord injury, with higher scores indicating less impairment.
• 2
  Patients with higher functional scores were more likely to be able to self-catheterize after continent diversion.
• 3
  All patients experienced a decrease in incontinence episodes and urinary tract infections after the surgery, regardless of their ability to self-catheterize.