Underwent bladder surgery before 20 years but could not control urine sometimes. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

My brother having a problem. When he was 3 years old he underwent an operation in the bladder. I have attached all the summary for your reference. Now he is 25 years old, still, he cannot control the urine for sometimes. Could you please suggest what we can do for this? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below.

Your brother was treated for a tethered cord with a lipoma in close proximity to the cord at the sacral region. It means that he had a fat-containing tumor in the lower end of the spinal cord. These are birth and developmental problems that cannot be completely treated.

At 25 years of age, he can get another MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of lower back done and discuss it with a neurosurgeon if there is any persisting area where there is pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves. Usually, if any pressure effect on the nerves or cord is present now then they can think of releasing the pressure and this might improve his symptoms.

If his condition is not possible to be treated after discussing and doing an MRI scan then the only way is to pass urine at regular intervals and avoiding an over distended bladder.