Brief ES for Recovery of Autonomic Function in CES

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL · May 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BESCES trial is studying a new approach to help patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES), a condition that can cause problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function due to nerve compression in the lower back. In this study, researchers are looking at whether a brief electrical stimulation applied during surgery can help improve nerve function after the pressure is relieved. If patients don’t regain their functions after surgery, they may receive this electrical stimulation afterward to see if it can help them urinate or allow for catheter removal.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be over 18 and experiencing bladder, bowel, or sexual issues due to sudden nerve problems from a slipped disc. The study is currently recruiting participants, and it does not matter if they are male or female. Those who join can expect to have a brief electrical stimulation device used during and possibly after their surgery, which could offer a new way to help recover nerve function. It’s important to note that some people may not be eligible, including those with certain medical conditions or previous surgeries that could complicate the procedure.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age \>18.
• • Cauda equina syndrome with bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction (CES-I or CES-R) secondary to acute lumbar disc prolapse.
• • Selected for emergency surgery.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • No bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction (Only bilateral radicular symptoms).
• • Previous spinal surgery with risk of adhesions.
• • Multilevel degeneration with inadequate safe space to pass epidural electrode.
• • Pre-existent bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction.
• • History of peripheral neuropathy.
• • Contraindications to neurostimulation (e.g. pacemaker, immune deficiency, uncontrolled diabetes, sepsis, active pressure sore, spinal cord stimulator in situ).
• • Intraoperative CSF leak.

Trial Officials