The effects of detethering on the urodynamics profile in children with a tethered cord

Abstract

Because more than half of the children who underwent detethering were found to have abnormal preoperative UDS results, preoperative urodynamic evaluation should be performed in all cases in which detethering is considered. With regard to voiding function, detethering is relatively safe for children with normal preoperative UDS results. In children with abnormal preoperative UDS results, detethering may lead to improvement or even normalization of voiding, especially if the procedure is performed prior to 1 year of age. Finally, children with anorectal anomalies and a tethered cord may represent a subset of patients who are particularly likely to experience urodynamic improvement after detethering.