Surgical Treatment for Metastatic Spinal Tumors

ABSTRACT

The authors analysed 33 cases of metastatic spinal tumors admitted to the department of neurosurgery, Hanyang University Hospital from January 1983 to December 1992. During this period, we operated 12 cases of 33 cases. The results were as follows 1) The common incidence of age was fifth decade, the most frequent primary site of metastatic tumors was lung, and the thoracic region was the most common site of metastatic tumors. 2) The most common complaints of patients were pain, weakness of extremities and sphincter disturbance in order. 3) The indication to surgical treatments comprises spinal instability, aggravation of neurologic symptom, diagnosis in doubt, known radioresistance of tumor and intractable pain. Anterior approach was used in cervical area for tumor removal and fusion and posterior approach was used in the thoracolumbar area for decompressive laminectomy. The result was better in surgery group. 4) Early identification of spinal metastasis were considered to be important for better prognosis. 5) The survival rate of the primary lesion may imfeuence on the pregnosis of metastatic spinal tumor.