Selective sacral rhizotomy for the management of neurogenic bladders in spina bifida patients: long-term followup

J Urol. 1995 Aug;154(2 Pt 2):766-8. doi: 10.1097/00005392-199508000-00116.

Abstract

Selective sacral rhizotomy was introduced for the management of high pressure neurogenic bladders commonly encountered in myelodysplastic patients. In 1992, 2 of us (I.F. and W.K.) first reported results with selective sacral rhizotomy and cord untethering in 8 spina bifida patients. We report long-term followup of our original 8 patients and 3 additional patients. This followup demonstrates remarkable success in maintaining bladder volume and low pressures after rhizotomy and cord untethering. Uninhibited contractions resolved in all patients postoperatively. A more favorable response occurred in the patients younger than 9 years, supporting early intervention with selective sacral rhizotomy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spinal Dysraphism / complications*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / surgery*