The benefits of team treatment and control of adult patients with spinal dysraphism.
We investigated the outcome of newly referred patients to our spina bifida team in the period 1989-1994. 12 of 42 patients had spina bifida occulta, 8 had a meningocele and 22 a myelomeningocele. More than half of the patients underwent an operation which was beneficial to them. 13 operations for a tethered cord syndrome were performed with good results. In 15 patients referral delay caused unnecessary and mostly irreversible harm. Life-long regular control by members of a spina bifida team is, therefore, highly recommended.
Begeer
I H
IH
Department of Child Neurology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Staal-Schreinemachers
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome