Author/Editor     Podnar, S
Title     Bowel dysfunction in patients with cauda equina lesions
Type     članek
Source     Eur J Neurol
Vol. and No.     Letnik 13, št. 10
Publication year     2006
Volume     str. 1112-7
Language     eng
Abstract     Despite their serious sequels on bowel function, lesions of the cauda equina have not been previously systematically studied in larger patient populations. This was the aim of the present report. From the registrars of a diagnostic and rehabilitation centres 67 patients with clinical, electrodiagnostic and radiological findings supportive of the cauda equina lesions were recruited. The Slovene versions of the standard questionnaires for anal incontinence and constipation were used. The responses were scored, impairments categorized and previous treatments noted. Neurological examination, electromyography (EMG) of lumbo-sacral myotomes, quantitative anal sphincter EMG and electromyographic evaluation of the sacral reflex were performed. Severe anal incontinence/constipation was reported by 18%/0%, moderate by 36%/33%, and slight by 28%/43% of our patients. Twenty-one per cent of patients wore pads continuously and 14% occasionally. More than half of the patients (60%) reported changes in their lifestyle due to anal incontinence. No patient had completely normal findings on neurological examination. Perianal sensory loss correlated (P < 0.05) with anal incontinence and gender with constipation (women > men). Only two patients had received medical attention for bowel dysfunction. Study thus demonstrated significant bowel impairment in patients with lesions of the cauda equina, which has received insufficient medical attention.
Descriptors     CAUDA EQUINA
NERVE COMPRESSION SYNDROMES
FECAL INCONTINENCE
CONSTIPATION
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY
NEUROLOGIC EXAMINATION
QUESTIONNAIRES