A SINGLE CENTRE RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF OPERATED INTRADURAL SPINAL TUMOUR CASES

Objective: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of spinal intradural tumor patients treated surgically in our center with the results previously reported in the
literature.
Materials and Methods: The study was approved by the ethics committee of Necmettin Erbakan University and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of
Helsinki. Patient data used in the study were protected according to ethical rules and confidentiality principles. Parameters such as complaints at presentation, age,
gender, neurological examination findings, tumor localization, extent of resection, histopathological diagnosis, Modified McCormick Scale (MMS), as well as operation
method and complications, were evaluated. The extent of resection was analyzed in three groups as gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR) and biopsy
(Bx).
Results: In the sample, 62.1% of the patients were female. The most common complaint was axial pain (41.3%). The most common neurological examination finding
at the time of presentation across all patients was motor weakness (60.1%). Pathological examination of the tumors revealed meningiomas in 35 patients (42.6%),
schwannomas in 17 patients (20.7%), and ependymomas in 9 patients (10.9%). Most of the identified meningiomas were localized in the thoracic region, while
schwannomas were frequently localized in the lumbar region. The mean MMS was the highest (2.5) in patients with thoracally located masses. Partial or complete
recovery was observed in 67% of the patients who underwent surgical treatment. The most common postoperative complication was neuropathic pain (10.9%).
Conclusion: Spinal tumor surgery is difficult and requires attention. Determining the specific tumor and its exact location is important for the reduction of mortality
and morbidity in spinal tumors. Since excessive laminectomy during surgery may increase the risk of developing postoperative kyphosis, caution should be exercised.
If more than two levels of laminectomy are required, stabilization may be needed to maintain sagittal balance. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are important
in patients with spinal intradural tumor.