[The role of surgical decompression of cauda equina in lumbar disc herniation and recovery of bladder function].

Introduction: Cauda equina syvndrome from lumbar disc herniation accounts for up to 2-3% of all disc herniations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether recovery of bladder function after surgery depends on preoperative duration of desease.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study included 47 patients who underwent surgery for cauda equina syndrome due to a herniated disc in the period between 1997 and 2002. Eleven patients were female and 36 male, with a mean age of 43 years (range 23-67). All presented with sciatica and saddle hypoesthesia, whereas 13 presented with motor weakness of legs. All patients had been catheterized at the time of admission to the Neurosurgical unit. Levels of herniation were L4-L5 in 27 (57%), L5-S1 in 14 (30%), and L3-L4 in 6 (13%) patients. In 7 (15%) patients, surgery was performed within 48 hours of the cauda equina syndrome onset. None underwent surgery within 24 hours. 13 (28%) patients were operated between the 2nd and 7th day and 27 (57%) after 7th day of the cauda equina onset. The role of preoperative duration of symtoms in recovery of bladder function was examined (chi 2 analysis).

Results: The follow-up ranged from 15 to 74 months (mean 24.2 months). In 33 patients (70%) excellent result were achieved, in 9 (19%) patients good results and 5 (11%) patients presented with poor results. There was no statistically significant difference concerning the time between the onset of symptoms and surgical decompression and subsequent recovery of bladder function (p>0.05).

Conclusion: After accurate diagnosis and adequate operative treatment, postoperative results of cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar disc herniation appear satisfactory regardless of the timing of surgery.