Urological findings in patients with neurosurgically treated tethered spinal cord

Purpose: To ascertain the urological relevance of surgical release of a tet hered spinal cord in children with spina bifida. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 39 children undergoing s urgery between 1991-95. Mean age of children was 8 years (4 months to 18 ye ars) and follow-up 21 months (2 months to 4.5 years). Indications for neuro surgical intervention were functional neurological deterioration in all pat ients. Comparisons of the pre- and postoperative clinical findings, imaging studies and urodynamic studies was achieved. Results: In general, clinical condition improved in 51% of the patients, we re stable in 29% and deteriorated in 20%. Primary findings were a significa ntly more frequent bladder emptying, reduction of incidence of urinary trac t infection and antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: Early recognition of urological symptoms secondary to tethered spinal cord requieres regular clinical follow-up including imaging and func tional studies.