Cauda equina tumor surgery: how I do it
Enrico Tessitore1, Ivan Cabrilo, Colette Boex
1Neurosurgery Division, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland. tessenri@libero.it
Background:
Tumors of the cauda equina usually require surgery due to their impingement on neighboring nerve roots, often resulting in pain and neurological deficits.
Method:
The Authors first give a brief introduction on cauda equina tumors, followed by a description of the surgical anatomy, and then develop the microsurgical technique. In particular, tricks to avoid complications are presented, underlining the importance of intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Conclusion:
Both microsurgical technique and neuromonitoring are important in cauda equina tumor surgery, the goal of which is to achieve complete resection while at the same time preserving neurological function.
