MICROSURGERY OF INTRAMEDULLARY CERVICAL CORD TUMOR

Objective. To evaluate whether intramedullary tumor of the cervical sp inal cord is amenable to aggressive surgery and to clarify surgical ti ming and important points for tumor removal. Patients and Methods, Fif ty-eight patients with intramedullary tumor of the cervical spinal cor d were examined by magnetic resonance imaging and treated by microsurg ery in Huashan Hospital between May 1988 and December 1994. The result s were analysed by F or Chi square tests. Results, Tumors were totally resected in 50 cases (86.2%), subtotally resected in 7 and partially resected in 1. Forty-five (77.6%) patients had their neurological stat us improved postoperatively. Most patients with moderate neurological deficit can recover remarkably after total tumor removal. Laser surger y is especially helpful for treating lipoma. Conclusions. Intramedulla ry tumor of the cervical spinal cord is amenable to total tumor remova l. Operation is suitable when a patient presents moderate neurological deficit. Proficient surgical technique and standards for total tumor resection are essential for good results. Preoperative radiotherapy co ntributes to difficult surgery and poor prognosis, and is not recommen ded.