title: Outcome predictors and complications in the management of intradural spinal tumours.
abstract: The results of the management of 115 patients with intradural spinal tumours are presented. Data was collected retrospectively from the case notes. Tumours were categorized as intramedullary or extramedullary for statistical analysis. Meningioma, schwannoma and ependymoma accounted for 70% of tumours. Complete macroscopic excision was achieved in 84% of extramedullary and 54% of intramedullary tumours. There were two post-operative deaths, one of which was secondary to methacillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid leak (10%) and meningitis (7%) were the commonest complications. Ninety-six percent of patients with extramedullary tumours improved or remained unchanged on the Frankel scale. In the intramedullary group, 82% remained unchanged or improved after treatment. Pre-operative functional status was a predictor of good post-operative function for intra- and extramedullary tumours and for intramedullary tumours a good post-operative Frankel score predicted long-term survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7LJ, UK. michael.jenkinson@liv.ac.uk
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Jenkinson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Nicholas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.forename: G F G
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Findlay
authors.forename: T J D
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Pigott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008579:Meningioma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy*; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome