{"id":"bb7a8d33-1ee2-4459-a048-e1759a12b62b","slug":"sni-17-424","title":"Case of postoperative diabetes insipidus following cervical decompressive laminectomies","authors":["Cecilia Kehinde Okunlola","Margaret Olufemi Ibikunle","Abiodun Idowu Okunlola","Tesleem Olayinka Orewole","Johnson Dare Ogunlusi","Olakunle Francis Faniran","Segun Alex Atolani"],"abstract":"Background: Postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) is rare, involving the hypothalamic–pituitary axis following cervical spine surgery. Case Description: A 51-year-old male underwent an elective C3–C6 decompressive laminectomy for cervical spinal canal stenosis. Three hours postoperatively, he developed abrupt massive polyuria (1300–1800 mL/h) with polydipsia (specific gravity 1.002), consistent with DI. Treatment with fluid replacement, desmopressin, and vasopressin resulted in clinical improvement. The brain MR revealed a normal pituitary gland and stalk, whereas histology from the laminectomy indicated potential multiple myeloma. At 5-week follow-up, his neurological symptoms resolved, but he continued to require desmopressin for persistent polyuria. Conclusion: DI is a rare but important complication of a cervical decompressive laminectomy. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to prevent significant fluid and electrolyte disturbances.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/sni-17-424/figures/SNI-17-424-g001.jpg","publishDate":"2026-07-24T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_638_2026","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/articles/sni-17-424/SNI-17-424.pdf"}