Indications for Procedure
- Cauda equina syndrome: The clinical diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency and patients should undergo immediate intervention.
- Neurological deficits: Surgery may be indicated for progressive or severe neurological deficits upon presentation.
- Radicular pain: Refractory radicular pain after conservative therapy for at least 6–8 weeks is a relative indication, and surgery can be used as a treatment in place of continued conservative management.
Preoperative Orders
- No special orders are required.
Anesthetic Considerations
- No special anesthetic considerations are required.
Devices to Be Implanted
- Devices are typically not implanted.
Ancillary/Specialized Equipment
- Intraoperative x-ray: Fluoroscopy or lateral x-rays are typically required to localize the surgical level. Microscopy should be available for the microdissection and diskectomy components of surgery.