Patient-Reported Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function After Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to a Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc
Published research co-authored by Mr Gordan Grahovac
This study examined long-term bladder, bowel and sexual function after cauda equina syndrome caused by a herniated lumbar disc. It is important because these symptoms can have a major effect on quality of life after surgery.
Research snapshot
Article title: Patient-Reported Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function After Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to a Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Jordan Lam, Ruth-Mary deSouza, Jonathan Laycock, Duranka Perera, Charlotte Burford, Baha Khan, Gordan Grahovac
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: 1 December 2020
Publication details: Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. 2020;26(4):290-303.
PMID: 33536735
PMCID: PMC7831285
DOI: 10.46292/sci19-00065
Study type: Observational study
Mr Grahovac’s involvement: Listed author on the publication
Original publication: View the original publication on PubMed
What this paper looked at
This paper looked at people who had lumbar decompression for cauda equina syndrome caused by a herniated lumbar disc. It used a telephone-based survey with validated and modified tools to assess bladder, bowel and sexual function before CES and at least one year after surgery.
Key points from the publication
The study contacted 135 patients and included 71 respondents in the abstracted results. The publication reported ongoing bladder, bowel and sexual function issues in some patients, helping describe the longer-term impact of CES.
Clinical relevance
The paper is clinically relevant for patient counselling, outcome measurement and planning multidisciplinary support after cauda equina syndrome.
What this means in context
The findings do not predict recovery for an individual patient. Outcomes depend on severity at presentation, timing, neurological involvement, surgical findings, rehabilitation and access to specialist bladder, bowel or sexual-function support.
View the original publication
You can view the original peer-reviewed publication through PubMed or via the article DOI.
View the original publication on PubMed
About Mr Gordan Grahovac
Mr Gordan Grahovac is a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Complex Spinal Surgeon with expertise in managing complex spinal and neurosurgical conditions.
His work includes the assessment and treatment of patients with degenerative spinal conditions, spinal cord compression, spinal tumours, complex spinal pathology and conditions requiring specialist neurosurgical input.
His approach focuses on careful diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning and helping patients understand their options clearly.
Important note
This page is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as individual medical advice.
If you or someone you know has symptoms such as worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, changes in speech, seizures, balance problems or symptoms following a head injury, seek urgent medical advice.
