Palliative surgery in epidural malignant tumour

Epidural malignant tumour often causes weakness of the legs as well as pain. A series of 37 consecutive cases treated with surgery for these symptoms is presented. Considerable pain reduction was achieved in half of the cases, and 6 months after surgery one fourth could walk. The authors have found bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate) to be quite suitable for stabilizing the spinal column. Surgery is regarded as complementary to the use of cytostatics, hormones and radiotherapy.