[Electrostimulation of anterior sacral nerve roots in spinal cord injury patients (evaluation of the 1st 25 cases)].

The authors analyse the first 25 patients with spinal cord injuries treated by G. Brindley's technique based on section of the posterior sacral nerve roots to control detrusor hyperexcitability and electrostimulation of the anterior sacral nerve roots to ensure bladder emptying and to facilitate erection and defecation. The indications for this technique are essentially unstable bladders with incontinence and certain hypoactive bladders. The following results were obtained: Acquisition of continence in 90% of cases. Bladder capacity was always greatly increased. Almost complete bladder emptying in the majority of cases. Very marked reduction in urinary tract infection. Regularization of intestinal transit. The complications of this surgery were uncommon but serious: C.S.F. leaks, Postoperative denervations. Sepsis. Material or cable failure.