[Results of treatment of extradural spinal neoplasms]

82 patients with malignant epidural neoplasms (s.e.n.) were operated on between 1980 and 1990. Some underwent radio- or chemotherapy following surgery. Exact data on neurological results of treatment were obtained from 42 cases which represented the analysed group. When patients were ambulatory and/or had useful motor function of their upper extremities following treatment the result was accepted as positive. This was found in 71% of cases. In patients with severe paresis (non-walking before surgery) positive result was obtained in 59% of cases. In patients with mild paresis or neurologically without signs, positive results were obtained in 100% of cases. Of patients who died, 45% had positive neurological result until death. Overall 21% of cases (49% of those with severe neurological deficits) did not regain the ability of walking that is the most important benefit which may result from treatment. Those patients presented in severe general condition, advanced neoplastic spread to other systems and total transverse spinal cord damage. In about 90% of cases there was a significant relief of back and radical pain.