XXXX : a complication of lumbar discectomy.

@entity1971 @entity16 @entity850 @entity612
Six cases of acute postdiscectomy @entity1971 (C.E.S.) following lumbar discectomy were reviewed retrospectively in a series of 2842 lumbar discectomies over a ten-year period. Five cases had coexisting @entity612 at the level of the disc protrusion. The @entity612 was not decompressed at the time of discectomy. Inadequate decompression played a role in the @entity16 postoperation. The cause of the sixth case is unknown. Bowel and bladder recovery was good when the cauda equina decompressed early; sensory recovery was universally good, and motor recovery was poor if a severe deficit had developed before decompression. Careful review of the preoperative myelogram to rule out spinal stenosis and @entity850 at discectomy are recommended for prevention of postoperative C.E.S. Urgent decompression of postoperative C.E.S. is advisable if compression of the cauda equina is confirmed radiographically.
