Cauda equina syndrome due to disk herniation: Long-term functional prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by lumbar disk extrusion is classically considered an indication of urgent surgery. CES can be subdivided into CESI (incomplete CES) and CESR (complete CES with urinary retention and incontinence). This paper evaluates the long-term functional outcome of a CES cohort operated on due to disk herniation.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective observational study. CES patients due to disk herniation that underwent surgery between 2000 and 2016 were included in the study. Demographic data, time intervals to diagnosis and surgery, preoperative neurologic status and outcome at the end of follow up were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included (median age 44 years). Eight patients were CESR and 14 CESI. Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 78h (range, 12-720h), and from diagnosis to surgery 24h (range, 5-120h). Median follow up was 75 months (range, 20-195 months). At the end of follow up, in the CESR group (median time from diagnosis to surgery, 23h) only pain significantly improved after surgery (p=0.007). In the CESI group (median time from diagnosis to surgery 23h) low back pain, sciatica and urinary sphincter function significantly improved (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between early (<48h) operation (n=4) and late (n=18) in terms of sphincter recovery (Fisher's Exact Test, p=0.076).

CONCLUSION

Pain associated to CES improved both in the CESI and CESR groups. However, urinary sphincter impairment significantly improved only in the CESI group. No significant differences were found regarding long-term functional outcome between early and late surgery.