Bladder-outlet reconstruction in neurogenic bladder due to myelomeningocele

In a subgroup of children with myelomeningocele, urinary incontinence cannot be managed by clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic medication. The authors report on 24 such children who required bladder-outlet reconstruction. Twelve boys underwent the Young-Dees/Leadbetter procedure, 8 girls underwent the Burch procedure and the remaining 4 had a combination of the two. Augmentation cystoplasty was also carried out in seven girls and one boy. Results were most favourable in the girls, with improvement in 92%, in contrast to the boys in whom only 58% were improved. Artificial sphincter placement may be a more beneficial alternative for boys.