Publications by authors named "Susanne Stalder"
Background: Spinal cord tethering and syringomyelia after trauma are well-known pathologies in patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). In symptomatic cases, various surgical options are available, but untethering and expansion duraplasty is the currently preferred treatment strategy. However, patient outcomes are usually limited by rather high rates of surgical revisions.
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- Posttraumatic spinal cord tethering and syringomyelia are serious conditions following spinal cord injuries, and surgery is a key treatment option that can lead to positive outcomes for patients.
- A study involving 60 patients assessed the surgical costs and reimbursement rates from the Swiss diagnosis related group (DRG) system, finding that the average surgical cost was significantly lower than the average reimbursement received.
- Despite surgeries being largely covered financially, the study raises concerns about whether current reimbursement rates are sufficient to ensure quality and personalized patient care, potentially affecting access to optimal treatments.
Article Synopsis
- - Posttraumatic spinal cord tethering and syringomyelia can cause worsening neurological conditions, and while surgery has shown positive outcomes, more research is needed to determine the best treatment plans.
- - A study of 67 patients indicated that younger age and the extent of spinal cord injury significantly influence the onset of symptoms related to tethering and syringomyelia.
- - After surgery, about 66% of patients experienced neurological improvement, and 50% reported less spasticity or neuropathic pain, highlighting the importance of early detection and individualized treatment approaches.
Object: Spinal cordectomy has recently become more important in the treatment of end-stage posttraumatic or postoperative syringomyelia and arachnopathy as a last resort to manage ascending neurological dysfunction, spasticity, and pain in paraplegic patients. The aim in this study was to confirm a clinical benefit in strict indications for cordectomy.
Methods: Between February 2000 and September 2007, 15 spinal cordectomies were performed at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital, St.