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. Lifelong regular control by members of a spina bifida team is, therefore, highly recommended.