Assessment of quality of survival in patients with surgically treated meningioma

A prospective study carried out between 1982 and 1991 encompassed 179 patients who had been operated upon for meningiomas (Neurosurgical University Clinic Heidelberg and Mannheim). History, neurological status, neuroradiological findings, surgical procedure and histology were documented. Within the framework of regular postoperative reexaminations, indices were recorded regarding life quality as standardized by Karnofsky and Spitzer. Following HRDP (Hamburg Rating Scale for Emotional Disturbances), a depression score was evaluated with 32 patients pre and postoperatively. Psychosocial disturbances, which can develop a permanent character, were observed, particularly within the first 12 months after the operation. Depressive moods were noticed quite frequently. The age of the patients proved to be a decisive prognostic factor.