Urinary continence in open myelomeningocele

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Single Cell Dissociation Approach for Molecular Analysis of Urinary Bladder in the Mouse Following Spinal Cord Injury
09:50

A Single Cell Dissociation Approach for Molecular Analysis of Urinary Bladder in the Mouse Following Spinal Cord Injury

Published on: June 17, 2020

R J Brereton, R B Zachary, J Lister

    Archives of Disease in Childhood
    |September 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Urinary continence is achieved by a minority of children with myelomeningocele by age 12. Early urinary diversion is recommended only to prevent kidney damage, not for incontinence alone.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Surgery
    • Urology
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Open myelomeningocele surgery in neonates can lead to long-term complications.
    • Urinary incontinence is a common challenge for survivors of myelomeningocele.
    • Assessing the long-term outcomes of urinary continence is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the rate of urinary continence in children treated for open myelomeningocele.
    • To determine the appropriate indications for early urinary diversion in this population.

    Main Methods:

    • A consecutive series of 200 neonates undergoing open myelomeningocele surgery were followed.
    • Urinary continence was assessed in survivors at 10 to 12 years of age.
    • Neurological involvement and age at achieving urinary control were recorded.

    Main Results:

    • Out of 106 survivors at 10-12 years, 24 achieved urinary continence.
    • This included 11 children with significant neurological deficits.
    • Four children attained urinary control after age 5.

    Conclusions:

    • Urinary incontinence alone is not a sufficient indication for early urinary diversion in the first decade.
    • Early urinary diversion should be reserved for preventing progressive renal function deterioration.
    • Management decisions should consider individual neurological status and renal health in myelomeningocele patients.

    More Related Videos

    Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection03:26

    Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection

    Published on: August 28, 2020

    Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy03:25

    Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy

    Published on: June 16, 2022

    Related Concept Videos

    Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

    Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

    The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
    Perineal Layer
    The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
    Urinary Bladder01:23

    Urinary Bladder

    The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
    In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
    The Micturition Reflex01:26

    The Micturition Reflex

    Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
    The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
    Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

    Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

    The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
    Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

    Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

    The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...