Spinal root anastomosis was performed in one paraplegic patient who had traumatic lesions of the conus medullaris and cauda equinus. The purpose was to re-innervate the paralyzed urinary bladder. During surgery, the functioning left T11 nerve root was transected distal to the ganglion and anastomosed to the S2 and S3 ventral and dorsal roots emerging from the injured cord area. About 8 months following surgery, the patient did not show any restoration of bladder function. About 2 years postoperatively, he demonstrated restoration of function as recorded by cystometrogram. He could feel the urge to void and could urinate spontaneously. Residual volume was zero. It is very difficult to determine whether this relatively good restoration of the bladder function is the result of this reconstruction or spontaneous recovery of the partially injured nerve.
