Management of Spina Bifida Cystica at Ibadan.

Abstract

Summary: Between January, 1973 and December, 1977, 132 children with spina bifida cystica were seen at the neurosurgical unit, and 70 per cent of these underwent surgery. The criteria used in selecting cases for surgery included a reasonable degree of motor function in the legs, imminent or actual rupture of the dural sac and the presence of social problems. Most of the patients were operated on as day cases. There was definite improvement in 40 per cent of the 37 patients with limb weakness, and in 47 per cent of the 38 patients with urinary incontinence. It is concluded that coopera tion between neurosurgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and urological disciplines is essential if the child with spina bifida cystica is to receive maximum benefit from management.