title: [To explore treatment of neurogenic tumors of the peripheral nerve].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the clinical features and surgical tactics of neurogenic tumors external spinal canal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The investigators retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 56 cases with neurogenic tumors external spinal canal as confirmed by pathology at our department from January 2000 to June 2010. And the follow-up results were tracked. Among the patients, 51 cases underwent microsurgery and 5 cases routine retro-peritoneal operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty cases received total resection and 5 cases subtotal resection. Partial tumor removal was performed in 1 case with multiple Schwannoma only because nerve roots were densely distributed around the tumor. Postoperative complications included declining myodynamia (n = 3), extremity pain (n = 2), topical sensory disturbance (n = 7), hoarseness (n = 5), ipsilateral facioplegia & hypophysis (n = 1) and Horner's syndrome (n = 2). Thirty-six cases had a follow-up period of 0.5 year to 10 years. No in situ recurrence was found in 34 cases. Two cases with in situ recurrence were re-operated. There was no operative death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The surgery of neurogenic tumors external spinal canal can improve the symptoms and quality of life for the patients. A better outcome is based on anatomic familiarity and skilled micromanipulation. The key aspects of tumor resection are a maximal protection of proximal important vessels and nerves and thorough tumor dissection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. Lzang2985@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Cang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Wen-qing
authors.initials: WQ
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Ru-guang
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D018317:Nerve Sheath Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult