Results of surgical treatment of myelomeningocele.
UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of children and adolescents born with myelomeningocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-six children aged from 3 to 21 years old, all patients of the Paediatric Surgery Clinic of the Medical Academy in Białystok, were evaluated. The hospital records were reviewed and data was obtained from parents, using a questionnaire designed by authors. The material was classified with respect to the degree of disability using Lagergren's scale. RESULTS: 15 (23 %) patients had no physical or mental handicap, 18 (27 %) were moderately handicapped, 20 (30 %) were severely handicapped, 13 (20 %) were very severely handicapped. CONCLUSIONS: A higher spinal cord lesion, hydrocephalus and complications due to its surgical management had a negative influence on development of children born with myelomeningocele.