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Spinal meningiomas: surgical outcome and literature review
H Riad1, S Knafo, F Segnarbieux
1Département de neurochirurgie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34091 Montpellier cedex 05, France.
Background And Purpose:
To evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation, operative techniques and long-term outcome of spinal meningiomas following surgery.
Methods:
Fifteen patients harboring spinal meningiomas were treated between 1998 and 2005 in our department. Diagnosis was made on magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed histologically. Microsurgical resection was carried out through a posterior approach in all cases.
Results:
Follow-up extended from 60 to 156 months (mean: 99 and median 105 months). The most common site of spinal meningiomas was the thoracic region. Tumors were strictly intradural and extramedullary in 14 patients (93%) and macroscopic resection was considered as complete in all cases. Neurological improvement was observed in 13 patients (87%). There was no operative mortality and morbidity was low (20%). No patient underwent radiotherapy and the recurrence rate is 8%.
Conclusion:
Spinal meningiomas are benign tumors for which advances in imaging tools and microsurgical techniques have yielded better results. The goal of surgery should be the total resection, which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence with an acceptable morbidity.
Insights
Spinal meningiomas are benign tumors. Complete surgical resection via microsurgery leads to significant neurological improvement and low recurrence rates, with acceptable morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spinal meningiomas are rare, typically benign tumors.
- Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging like MRI and histological confirmation.
- They most commonly occur in the thoracic region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and clinical presentation of spinal meningiomas.
- To assess surgical techniques and long-term outcomes.
- To determine the efficacy of microsurgical resection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 patients treated between 1998-2005.
- Diagnosis confirmed by MRI and histology.
- All patients underwent microsurgical resection via a posterior approach.
Main Results:
- Mean follow-up of 99 months.
- Complete macroscopic resection achieved in all cases (93% intradural, extramedullary).
- 87% neurological improvement, 8% recurrence rate, low morbidity (20%), and no operative mortality.
Conclusions:
- Spinal meningiomas are benign tumors with favorable outcomes.
- Advances in imaging and microsurgery improve results.
- Total resection is key to reducing recurrence risk with acceptable morbidity.
