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Surgical outcomes in spinal cord subependymomas: an institutional experience
Liang Wu1, Tao Yang, Xiaofeng Deng
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 6 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.
Journal of Neuro-Oncology
|September 25, 2013
Summary
Spinal cord subependymomas, though rare, are treatable with surgery. This study shows surgical resection, including gross total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection (STR), leads to good outcomes and low recurrence rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Spinal Cord Oncology
Background:
- Spinal cord subependymomas are exceptionally rare tumors.
- Existing literature primarily consists of case reports and reviews.
- This study addresses the need for more data on surgical management and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a surgical series of spinal cord subependymomas.
- To analyze clinical data, radiological findings, operative details, and follow-up outcomes.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of surgical resection for these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 patients with histologically confirmed spinal cord subependymomas.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, imaging (MRI), surgical procedures (GTR/STR), and long-term follow-up.
- Assessment of symptom improvement and tumor recurrence post-surgery.
Main Results:
- 13 patients (5 male, 8 female; mean age 39.5) with tumors in cervical, cervicothoracic, and thoracic spine.
- Gross total resection (GTR) achieved in 9 cases; subtotal resection (STR) in 4 cases.
- Symptom improvement in 11 patients; no recurrence observed in GTR or STR cases during follow-up (mean 70.3 and 62.0 months, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord subependymomas are surgically resectable with favorable outcomes.
- GTR is feasible for tumors with clear dissection planes; STR is effective for decompression when GTR is not possible.
- Good clinical outcomes and low recurrence rates can be expected after surgical intervention.
