Urologic aspects of tethered cord

Urology. 1989 Jan;33(1):80-2. doi: 10.1016/0090-4295(89)90076-9.

Abstract

Tethered cord syndrome, a form of spinal dysrhaphism, may involve vesical neurologic dysfunction. We present herein 60 cases of tethered cord syndrome, including 24 patients who underwent preoperative urodynamics studies. Preoperative cystometrography revealed areflexic bladders in 71 percent of cases and hyperreflexic bladders in 29 percent. Eight patients had serial pre- and postoperative urodynamics testing. Slight improvement was noted in postoperative urodynamics studies performed on 4 of 6 areflexic bladders and in the only hyperreflexic bladder studied. In addition, of the 3 patients in the serial urodynamics groups who had urinary symptoms preoperatively, 2 noted clinical improvement postoperatively. The urologist's role is important in the early detection, evaluation, and treatment of tethered cord syndrome and the neuropathic bladders that may result.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Neural Tube Defects / complications*
  • Neural Tube Defects / surgery
  • Reflex, Abnormal / diagnosis
  • Reflex, Abnormal / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord / abnormalities*
  • Spinal Cord / surgery
  • Syndrome
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / diagnosis
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / etiology*
  • Urodynamics