Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) is a condition in which the lower part of the spinal cord does not form normally. Infants with this condition are born with remnants of the abnormal spinal cord enclosed in a sac on their back. These infants can have a number of problems, but this article will focus on problems in their urinary tract.
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys are the organs that are responsible for filtering waste products from the bloodstream and produce urine continuously. The urine drains down tubes called ureters to the bladder, which normally stores urine and empties intermittently by muscular contraction. The urine exits the bladder through the urethra in a process is called voiding or urination.
Children who are born with spina bifida can have abnormalities of the urinary tract. Therefore, we obtain a renal ultrasound of the kidneys soon after birth to diagnose any congenital abnormalities of the kidneys. This test also provides an initial assessment of the kidneys so that we can later determine if there has been any damage to them from the abnormal bladder function. We also will obtain an X-ray of the bladder called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to assess for reflux (or backing up) of urine into the kidneys.
Control over urination requires functional nerves in the lower spine (sacral spinal cord). These nerves sense bladder fullness and transmit this message to the brain. In an older child or adult who has normal urinary control, the brain is able to inhibit the bladder from contracting until it is socially acceptable. In many children with spina bifida the nerves to the bladder that control this reflex voiding are damaged. Only about 5 to 10% of children with spina bifida have normal urinary control and are able to toilet train and void spontaneously. This means that the majority of children with spina bifida are at risk for poor urinary control and incontinence as well as damage to the kidneys and bladder.
Urodynamic studies or cystometrograms are done in children with spina bifida to evaluate bladder function. These studies involve placing a catheter into the bladder and filling the bladder with water. While this is done, the pressure in the bladder is continuously monitored. Normally, when the bladder pressure reaches a certain level, urine begins to leak around the catheter. Some children with spina bifida, however, tolerate very high pressures in their bladder without any urine leakage, with the result that urine can reflux up the ureters and damage the kidneys. These children are often managed with intermittent catheterization, antibiotics for infection, and occasionally other medications and/or surgery. Our pediatric urology team would be happy to address any concerns you have for your child with these problems.
This information, although based on a thorough knowledge and careful review of current medical literature, is the opinion of doctors at The University of Texas Medical School and is presented to inform you about surgical conditions. It is not meant to contradict any information you may receive from your personal physician and should not be used to make decisions about surgical treatment. If you have any questions about the information above or your child's care, please contact our doctors.
UT Pediatric Urology
UT Physicians Professional Building
6410 Fannin St. Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (832) 325-7234
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