Brain metastases: surgical versus conservative treatment

A comparative study on surgical versus conservative brain metastases treatment has been carried out. Patients have been divided in seven groups by means of treatment modalities. Follow-up, has been carried out taking into consideration mean survival time and quality life in particular, evaluated by means of Order's classes. Anaesthesiological management problems were discussed also. From data analysis, it follows that untreated patients, (group 1) had a lower mean survival time than that of the other patients. Thirty days after first evaluation, 85% of these patients had a very poor quality life. Patients who underwent surgery associated to radio and chemotherapy (group 2) have had better recovery of functional autonomy and longest mean survival time. Among these, thirty days after treatment only 3% had a very poor quality life, while 67% had the better quality life. Patients who underwent others treatment modalities had intermediate results.