Abstract
To audit the routine measurement of Vitamin B12 levels prior to cervical decompressive surgery
Retrospective analysis of medical records and pathology results of patients who underwent decompressive cervical surgery for myelopathy over a 6 month period
26 patients were identified from theatre records.
21 out of 26 patients did not have vitamin B12 levels checked prior to their decompressive surgery
The reports in the literature of co-existent B12 deficient myelopathy and mechanical compression are a cause for concern. Although the incidence of this is unknown and unlikely to be common, good clinical practice would suggest that we should be routinely monitoring B12 levels in myelopathic patients.
We have introduced new standards for routinely checking B12 levels pre-operatively and intend to re-audit the effectiveness of these in six months time.
