Urinary Tract Dysfunctions in Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome: Improvement After Surgical Untethering

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Abstract
Patients (55) with urinary tract dysfunction owing to the tethered spinal cord syndrome, a form of spina bifida occulta with or without mild myelodysplasia, were reviewed to evaluate the effects of neurosurgical treatment. Twenty-four underwent laminectomy with release of a tethered spinal cord and 31 were followed without the operation. Median follow-up was .apprx. 5 yr. Urological findings at the most recent examination were compared between the 2 groups. In the operated group 5 patients, including 2 with myelodysplasia, apparently were cured of urinary tract dysfunction and 6, including 2 with myelodysplasia, had somewhat satisfactory results, whereas in the unoperated group only 4 patients had satisfactory results and the remainder were unaffected. Urinary tract dysfunction in some patients with spina bifida occulta may be relieved by surgical release of a tethered spinal cord.