Patient-Reported Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function After Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to a Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc.

Background: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is rare neurosurgical emergency requiring emergent surgical decompression to prevent bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction that can have significant impact on quality of life. There is a paucity of data relating to the prevalence of these long-term complications.

Objective: The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the long-term prevalence of CES-related bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction and impact on quality of life to inform service provision.