Hi DocSarah, i wondered if you knew any details about this report i read regarding Portugese surgeons operating on Arachnoiditis patients with good results. I read of it on COFWA but i have copied a brief summary below.
Technical advance
.
New surgical approach for late complications from spinal cord injury
Antonio J Reis
ClÃnica Santa Catarina, 9000-045, Funchal, Madeira – Portugal, And Hospital
Sant'Ana, Parede, Portugal
BMC Surgery 2006, 6:12 doi:10.1186/1471-2482-6-12
Published 23 October 2006
Abstract
Background: The most frequent late complications in spinal cord injury result from
arachnoiditis and consequent alterations in dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid flow. A
surgical procedure carried out on patients with these alterations, resolved the various
pathologies more efficiently in all cases.
Methods: From October 2000 to March 2006, 23 patients were selected for surgery:
three showed signs of syringomyelia, three presented with microcystic lesions, three
presented with arachnoid cysts in different locations but always confluent to the scar
area, and 14 showed evidence of tethered cords. The surgery consisted of laminectomy
at four levels, followed by dural opening in order to remove all the arachnoiditis at the
level of the scar and to remove the altered arachnoid and its cysts, at least at two levels
above and below the lesion. The dentate ligaments were cut at all exposed levels.
Results: The patients had no postoperative problems and not only retained all
neurological functions but also showed neurological recovery. According to the motor
and sensory scale of the American Spinal Injury Association, the recoveries were motor
20.6% (P <0.001), touch 15.6% ((P <0.001) and pinprick 14.4% (P <0.001). These
patients showed no signs of relapse at 4-66 month follow-up.
Conclusions: This alternative surgery resolved the pathologies provoking neurological
deterioration by releasing the complete spinal cord at the level of the scar and the levels
above and below it. It thus avoids myelotomies and the use of shunts and stents, which
have a high long-term failure rate and consequent relapses. Nevertheless, this surgical
procedure allows patients the chance to opt for any further treatment that may evolve in
the future.
Am i getting excited over nothing here doc or is this really the first sign of hope for people like us?
Post edited by: kev, at: 2006/11/30 15:31<br><br>Post edited by: kev, at: 2006/12/02 01:06