Neurological evaluation after radical resection of sacral neoplasms

Eight patients had a radical resection of sacral tumours, and bilateral severance of lumbosacral nerves was required. Their neurological deficits and disturbance of activities of daily living (ADL) were studied. The neurological deficits which occurred were motor dysfunction of the lower limbs, sensory disturbances, and urinary, faecal and sexual dysfunction. Bilateral preservation of the L5 nerve and above was necessary to permit the ability to walk, and bilateral preservation of the S2 nerve and above was necessary to spare urinary, faecal and sexual functions in order to establish ADL. To maintain normal ADL, bilateral preservation of the S2 nerve and above was necessary for walking, and bilateral preservation of the S3 nerve and above was necessary for urinary, faecal and sexual functions.