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Positive outcomes seen with gross-total resection of giant spinal schwannomas
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In this study of 32 patients with giant schwannomas treated with resection, investigators found all cases of recurrence developed in patients who underwent subtotal resection while no patient who underwent gross-total resection experienced recurrence.
Researchers performed a retrospective review of 32 patients with giant spinal schwannomas who underwent surgery. The study included nine women. Overall, patients had a median age of 47 years. Preoperative MRI or CT imaging were used to measure tumor size, and the median tumor size was 5.8 cm. The median follow-up was 36 months. Nineteen patients underwent gross-total resection, seven patients had subtotal resection and only the residual fibrous capsule remained in six patients.
Findings showed three patients required further treatment due to recurrence, and all developed after subtotal resection. Investigators noted six cellular and three melanotic schwannomas, and there was a 33% recurrence rate in this group. Malalignment transformation occurred in one melanotic schwannoma case. According to researchers, recurrence did not occur after gross-total resection or when there was a remainder capsule because it adhered to the functional nerve roots. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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