Spinal cord injury

In the UK, the annual incidence of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is 19 new cases per million population, contributing to an estimated 50,000 people who are currently living with SCI. Trauma is the most common cause of SCI, predominantly from falls and road traffic accidents. Damage to the spinal cord occurs both at the time of injury (primary) and in its aftermath (secondary). Effectively treating and preventing secondary cord injury, and managing complications associated with SCI, can make a significant improvement to patient outcomes. Improving outcomes in this patient population mean more patients with established SCIs are presenting for routine operations. Anaesthetists should be aware of the unique challenges posed by these patients, both in the acute and chronic settings.     

Spermatic cord tuberculoma

A thirty-two-year-old male was treated with radical orchiectomy for an asymptomatic spermatic cord mass which proved to be tuberculosis. This is the sixth reported case of spermatic cord tuberculosis without apparent disease elsewhere.     

Spinal cord injury

With an annual incidence of 13 per million, around 40,000 people in the UK live with spinal cord injury (SCI). The extent of morbidity and mortality and thus quality of life, is highly dependent on meticulous management from the first point of contact with medical services. Treatment is focussed on reducing the risk of further cord injury and prevention of secondary (penumbral) damage through avoidable complications. As key members of trauma, theatre, intensive care and pain teams, anaesthetists and intensivists play a crucial role in influencing patient outcome.     

Spermatic cord liposarcoma

The clinical and pathologic data in 3 cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord are presented. Radical orchiectomy appears to be adequate treatment. A regional lymph node dissection is usually not advocated since the pattern of spread is hematogenous.     

Spinal cord stimulation

The use of spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be not only effective in 50% to 80% of patients with chronic pain related to radiculopathies or nerve injury but also cost effective. The better understanding of the mechanisms of the technique has led to better technology such as dual stimulation, which has improved the quality of analgesia, and computer programming, which will enable several different stimulating combinations. New horizons are being explored for the use of this technique. This report attempts to provide a reference for the use of this technique at the beginning of the 21st century. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company     

Inguinal cord cysts

Inguinal cord cysts are found in less than 1% of inguinal hernia dissections. They are benign masses anatomically distinct from scrotal hydroceles that frequently mimic incarcerations or may have unusual tissue components; therefore it is recommended that they be removed when encountered to prevent future symptoms. Five cases of male inguinal cord cysts treated by the same surgeon are reviewed. Electronic Publication