Neuroprostheses in the management of incontinence in myelomeningocele patients

J Urol. 1990 Apr;143(4):779-82. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)40092-9.

Abstract

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl underwent successful closure of the meningomyelocele defect in childhood but they continued to suffer incontinence of stool and urine. After a 5-day trial with percutaneous electrostimulation of the pudendal nerve both patients received permanent neuroprosthetic implants. They became completely continent of stool and exhibited greater than 90% improvement in urinary control. These patients demonstrate that there is a small subset of meningomyelocele patients who, despite absence of spontaneous reflex tonus in the urinary and bowel sphincters, nevertheless have preserved motor capabilities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anal Canal / innervation
  • Anal Canal / physiopathology
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningomyelocele / complications*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Urethra / innervation
  • Urethra / physiopathology
  • Urinary Bladder / innervation
  • Urinary Bladder / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / surgery*