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Published on: May 17, 2024
Morbidity and Function Loss After Resection of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Enrico Martin1,2, Courtney Pendleton3, Cornelis Verhoef2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht , the Netherlands.
Background:
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas. Their resection may lead to serious morbidity. Incidence of postoperative motor and sensory deficits is unknown, and reconstruction aimed at restoring such deficits is infrequently carried out.
Objective:
To identify the incidence and risk factors of postoperative morbidity in MPNST as well as the use and outcomes of functional reconstructions in these patients.
Methods:
Postoperative function and treatment of MPNSTs diagnosed from 1988 to 2019 in 10 cancer centers was obtained. Two models were constructed evaluating factors independently associated with postoperative motor (
Results:
A total of 756 patients (33.4% neurofibromatosis type 1, NF1) were included. MPNSTs originated in 34.4% from a major nerve. Of 658 surgically treated patients, 27.2% had
Conclusion:
Resection of MPNSTs commonly results in motor and sensory deficits. Patients with NF1, symptomatic, deep-seated tumors, arising from major nerves were associated with a higher risk for developing postoperative morbidity. Functional reconstructions are infrequently performed but can improve functional outcomes.
