Dr. Xiao, in China, developed this spinal nerve rerouting procedure and has been studying it since the late 1980's. Dr. Xiao has done over 500 of these surgeries in China with excellent results-more than 80% do not need a catheter to empty their bladder after the nerve regeneration occurs. In Dr. Xiao's patients, those that regained bladder function also regained bowel function. With Dr. Xiao's help, we started doing this research study here at Beaumont in December 2006.

In the surgery, the spinal nerves are rerouted and if successful, the nerves regenerate (over a period of 6-24 months). If the nerve regeneration is successful, a new nerve pathway to empty the bladder is created. We can use a variety of spinal nerves for this pathway. If
it is successful, the person will be able to empty their bladder without the use of a catheter after this nerve regeneration.

In China, this procedure is now standard of care. Dr. Xiao has taught this procedure to surgeon's at all the major hospitals in China.