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28
TH
CONGRESS OF THE ESPU
11:10–11:20
S5-2 (LO)
CONTINENCE CONDITIONS AND AUTONOMY; A HIGHER
CHANCE FOR SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS,
16-18 YEARS, WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE?
Magdalena VU MINH ARNELL
1
and Kate ABRAHAMSSON
2
1) Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, The Pediatric Surgery Department,
Gothenburg, SWEDEN - 2) Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg,
The Pediatric Surgery Department, Gothenburg, SWEDEN
PURPOSE
The majority of adults with myelomeningocele(MMC) in Western Sweden use incontinence pads.
Continence requires active treatment regimen of uro/intestinal therapist and the urologist. The aim
was to evaluate the level of incontinence and independence of the treatments in relation to social
independence for adolescents with MMC.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
All 25 individuals with MMC (15 men) 16-19 years, were studied prospectively concerning urinary-
and fecal continence. Review of medical data and interviews were made regarding; shunt, walking
ability, independence of the CIC and bowel regimen, need of reminder/assistant and presence of
close friend/partner. “Stay overnight” was defined; sleep overnight without family/assistant. Leakage
test was conducted.
RESULTS
In the group overall 17/25(68%) were urine continent 21/25(84%) were fecal continent and
14/25(56%) were totally dry and did not use diapers or pads. Of those who stayed overnight 89%
of men were urine continent and 78% were totally dry, the number for women 75% and 25%
respectively. Furthermore, to stay overnight 9(60%) of the men and 3(30%) of the women did it
without family or assistant. All (4men,1woman) who had sexual intercourse were urine continent.
Not having reminder/assistant and to be urine continent was significant (p <0.05) correlated with
having a best friend and/or to be able to sleep overnight.
CONCLUSIONS
With standardized follow-up, active treatment strategy and uro/intestinal therapy support, the
continence situation in young individuals with MMC in our study are internationally high. For young
people with MMC, independence and to be continent increase the possibility for social inclusion.