Tariq Sallahud Din, Shahzad Shams, Nazar Hussain.
Spinal cord tumors; role of microsurgery.
Professional Med J Jan ;8(4):530-3.

Spinal cord tumors form about 15% of central nervous system tumors. Use of high technology and precision surgery with the help of micro-surgical techniques has markedly improved their results. MATERIAL & METHODS: In the present study we analyzed 50 cases of primary spinal cord tumors from Jan 98 to Jan 2001. There were 30 males and 26 females with an average age of 40 years. Weakness of limbs and backache was the most common presenting complaint followed by limbs spasticity and spinal pain. MRI and myelography were the main diagnostic modalities used for the investigation of these tumors. All these patients were operated under a high-powered microscope using micro surgical instruments and ultrasonic aspirator. All patients were assessed before and after surgery according to Frankel Grading system. RESULTS: The histopathology revealed neurofibromas and meningiomas to be the commonest tumors. Spasticity followed by spinal pain was the most frequently relieved symptoms after surgery. The postoperative neurological improvement was seen in 81 % of patients with benign lesions and 28%of malignant cases. CONCLUSION: Microsurgery is mandatory in spinal cord tumors and its use definitely improves outcome due to better magnification, more accurate and precise removal of tumor with increased safety to neural tissue and its vascularity.

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