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CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME: OUTCOME AND IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

12 Faraday Road, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2DU

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to central disc prolapse produces acute neurological deficit. We investigated long-term urological disability after surgery for CES and the impact of emergency versus next day surgery.

20 CES patients (M=F), were assessed using a validated quality of life questionnaire; comparison was made with a matched group undergoing simple lumbar disc surgery. Median length of history before presentation was seven days. Nine were operated on within 4. 5 hours, the remainder all within 24 hours after neurosurgical admission. While the patients’ perception was of good general health (no different from controls), urological symptoms adversely affected their lives (P=0. 02). Only two patients had no urological symptoms. Emergency surgery (within 4. 5 hours of presentation) was not associated with reduced disability.

The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom