Disc prolapse causing compression of the cauda equina is rare but it needs urgent surgical treatment.
We have experienced one patient with cauda equina compression signs.
The patient was 48 years old male who had gait disturbance, bladder and rectal paralysis, low back pain and bilateral sciatica.
Myelogram revealed a total block at the midline level of fourth lumbar vertebra.
Surgery was done after eleven days of the onset of symptomes. A wide bilateral laminectomy of L4 and L5 was performed and massive disc prolapse at the L4-5 level, compressing the cauda equina from right side, was removed.
The size of the removed mass was 4.0×2.5×1, 0cm and the weight was 3.4gr.
The sciatic pain was disappeared after operation.
On the nineteenth day after operation he was able to pass urine on his own and rectal function returned to normal after four weeks. The motor weakness in the lower extremities recovered gradually and he could walk independently after seven weeks.
