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Cord Compression and Carcinoma of the Prostate: is Laminectomy Justified?
Author(s) -
IACOVOU J. W.,
MARKS J. C.,
ABRAMS P. H.,
GINGELL J. C.,
BALL A. J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1985.tb07043.x
Subject(s) - prostate carcinoma , compression (physics) , spinal cord compression , carcinoma , laminectomy , prostate , medicine , spinal cord , materials science , cancer , psychiatry , composite material
Summary— Metastatic carcinoma of the prostate is a common cause of spinal cord compression. In this review of 37 men who underwent laminectomy for this condition this was the first presentation of previously undiagnosed cancer in 11 (29%). One year after decompression 17 (50%) were alive. Twenty patients (59%) could walk after laminectomy. All but 8 were relieved of pain and bladder function was improved in 1 3 (38%). Those ambulant before laminectomy (7) and those with occult prostate cancer did particularly well. Poor results were associated with a rapid onset of paraparesis and pre‐operative progression to paraplegia. A delay in diagnosis was detrimental to outcome. A high index of suspicion in patients with carcinoma of the prostate is essential so that early diagnosis can be made before paraplegia is established. Carcinoma of the prostate must always be excluded in men with cord compression of unknown aetiology.