Presentation of Cases from the Neuro-Surgical Service, New Haven Hospital *

1. E. M., a girl of 5 years, was admitted to the hospital in November, 1938, because of double incontinence since birth. Examination revealed atrophy of the buttocks, a peculiar waddling gait, rectal sphincter not demonstrable, almost continuous urinary dribbling, absence of the lower sacrum and coccyx. Spinal lipiodol was unsuccessful because of subdural injection. Operation: Lumbo-sacral laminectomy, lysis of dense adhesions producing an hour-glass constriction of the cauda equina between L-5 and S-1. 2. P. R., a boy of 7 years, entered the hospital in January, 1939, because of double incontinence since repair of meningocele at age 2 weeks. Examination revealed scar in lumbo-sacral region, slight weakness of lower extremities, anesthesia of S-2, 3, 4, and 5 bilateral, rectal sphincter not demonstrable, frequent urinary dribbling. Spinal lipiodol demonstrated an hour-glass deformity between L-5 and S-1. Operation: Lumbo-sacral laminectomy, lysis of dense adhesions involving cauda equina. Convalescence uneventful.