Lumbar nerve root compression and interstitial cystitis--response to decompressive surgery.
An identifiable lumbar nerve root compression appears to cause urological dysfunction consistent with interstitial cystitis. Ten patients (9 females, 1 male) were evaluated for chronic pelvic pain. Cystoscopic and histological appearances were consistent with a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Magnetic resonance studies of the lower spine consistently demonstrated a lateral compression of the L5 dorsal nerve root. Decompression of the lateral foramina of L5 resulted in immediate relief of pain in 9 patients, who have been followed up for 6 months without a recurrence. Possible mechanisms involving sympathetic dystrophy of the pelvic plexus are reviewed.
Division of Urology, University of California, Irvine.
L
L
Gillespie
R
R
Bray
N
N
Levin
R
R
Delamarter
D003556:Cystitis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery