Long-term mental wellbeing and functioning after surgery for cauda equina syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Psychology
• Urology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) can lead to persistent, life-altering dysfunction.
• Long-term outcomes and mental wellbeing impacts of CES are under-researched.
• Understanding post-operative mental health in CES patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term, patient-reported mental wellbeing in post-operative CES patients.
• To identify specific CES-related dysfunctions correlating with mental health outcomes.
• To investigate predictors of mental wellbeing in the CES patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 46 CES surgery patients (Aug 2013-Nov 2014).
• Validated questionnaires assessed mental/physical functioning (SF-12), bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
• Statistical analysis compared Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores to population norms and identified correlations with dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 43 months; 22% reported poor mental health related quality of life.
• 37% and 45% scored at risk for depression within the last 30 days and 12 months, respectively.
• Worse bladder (USP), bowel (NBDS), and sexual (ASEX) function correlated significantly with lower MCS; urinary and bowel function predicted mental wellbeing.

Conclusions:

• CES patients exhibit a high prevalence of depression risk and poorer mental wellbeing.
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction are significant predictors of diminished mental health post-CES.
• Integrated mental health assessment and support are essential for CES patients post-surgery.