Effect of scoliosis surgery on pulmonary function in patients with myelomeningocele.

Thirteen patients with myelomeningocele who required operation for scoliosis were tested for changes in pulmonary function 1 month before and an average of 13 months after spinal stabilization. The average age at the time of operation was 12 years 11 months. Ten patients had restrictive changes in pulmonary function preoperatively. Owing to the severity of scoliosis, an anterior approach to the spine including resection of ribs and division of the diaphragm was necessary for eight children. Postoperatively, despite these procedures, eight patients had an increase in vital capacity and six patients had an increased forced expiratory volume in 1 s.