Spinal Meningioma- Surgical Outcome

Abstract

Spinal meningiomas are benign neoplasms encountered commonly in women. They usually present with local pain or signs of compression of adjacent neural structures. Total surgical removal can be achieved and outcome ¡s favourable. Recurrence of these tumors ¡s rare. This study includes a series of consecutive spinal meningiomas (23 patients) operated in our department with aim to find out short and long-term outcome and late complications. A total of 23 patients underwent surgery. Out of which 21 were females and 2 males. In most patients, the presenting complaint was progressive difficulty in walking. There were 10 patients who could walk with support, 6 patients were unable to walk but could move legs, 3 patients were paraplegic while four could walk without support. Tumor resection was achieved by posterior approach and considered to be total in all except in one case, because of its anterior extension. Dural base was excised in 16 cases and diathermised in the remaining. Seventeen patients improved to walk independently while two patients required some support to walk; one patient deteriorated while three remained in the same neurological status. Overall there was improvement in 74% of cases, only one patient deteriorated and no recurrence was found.