Microsurgical management of intramedullary spinal cord tumours

Objective To present the experience of microsurgical treatment for intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Methods Forty cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumours were treated microsurgically in our hospital by the authors, the neurological conditions of all patients pre- and postoperatively were documented, the operative timing, surgical techniques for intramedullary spinal cord tumour and the stabilization of the spine are discussed. Results A total removal of the tumour was made in 75% of this series, and 94.8% in ependymoma, 14% in astrocytoma. The neurological condition improved or stabled in 26 cases and deteriorated in 14 compared with pre-operative condition. Conclusion Microsurgical resection of tumour as early as possible may be the best way to improve the living quality of the patient with intramedullary spinal cord neoplasm.