Selective Sacral Rhizotomy for the Management of Neurogenic Bladders in Spina Bifida Patients: Long-Term Followup

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.