[An evaluation of decompressive laminectomy in metastatic spinal cord tumors]

The results of consecutive cases of decompressive laminectomy for spinal cord compression from spinal metastatic tumor were reviewed. In a series of 65 patients undergoing decompressive laminectomy, the postoperative survival was 8.3 months with 60 patients. Twenty-three per cent of the group was able to ambulate for at least some period postoperatively. Paralysis had developed with great rapidity in the half of the patients who were unable to walk prior to operation. For early diagnosis and effective removal of these lesions this treatment should be taken before when signs of cord compression are evident, and especially before the patient loses his ability to walk.