DOES TIMELY INTERVENTION DEFINE SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Abstract

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. To assess func Study Design: Objective: tional outcome of patients irrespective of timing of surgical intervention in cases with cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome Background: (CES) is a spinal emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. CES presents with constellation of symptoms like saddle anaesthesia, bladder or bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, lower limb motor power loss having deep socioeconomic consequences on part of patients and medicolegal consequences on part of clinicians. 40 patients data were collected and compiled retrospectivel Methodology: y. Demographic data, Surgical data, Functional data in the form of bladder, bowel, sexual and motor power recovery were collected at 3 weeks, 6 months , 12 months follow-up and analysed based on Urinary symptom prole score, Neurogenic bowel dysfunction score, Arizona sexual experience scale, Medical Research Council grading respectively. Results: Though early presentation by the patient and emergent surgical intervention by clinician does play a decisive role in full and faster recovery of symptoms but our study suggests that even when patients presented with delay at our outpatient department and surgery was done on emergency basis, desired outcome was achieved in maximum number of cases presenting with incomplete CES.