Neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spina bifida and sacral dysgenesis manifested itself in middle age. Report of a case

Congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction with spina bifida and sacral dysgenesis manifested itself at middle age is reported. A 48-year-old male who had urinary retention and suprapubic cystostomy one year and a half before in another hospital was seen, asking for removal of the cystostomy. He had never had any neurologic or bladder dysfunction in his childhood and adulthood. X-ray examination revealed a bifid spine and sacral dysgenesis, bilateral hydronephrosis, bilateral VUR and urethral stricture. Uroflowmetry showed a severe dysuric pattern (voided volume 5 ml, residual urine 230 ml) and the cystometrogram revealed a hyperactive bladder. Optical urethrotomy for stricture yielded some improvement i.e. recovery of voluntary voiding with large amount of residual urine. TUR of the bladder neck resulted in almost complete voiding. Cohen's antireflux operation yielded favorable improvement of hydronephrosis. The bladder and renal function remained favorable in the follow-up period of about two years. The clinical course of this patient suggested that his bladder dysfunction was due to late manifestation of congenital neurogenic bladder.