Complications associated with the treatment for spinal ependymomas

Daniel T. Nagasawa, Zachary A. Smith, Nicole Cremer, Christina Fong, Daniel C. Lu, Isaac Yang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spinal cord ependymomas are rare neoplasms, comprising approximately 5% of all CNS tumors and 15% of all spinal cord tumors. Although surgery was once reserved for diagnosis alone, the evolution of surgical practices has elevated resection to the treatment of choice for these lesions. While technological advances continue to improve the capacity for gross-total resections and thus decrease the risk of recurrence, ependymoma spinal surgery still contains a variety of potential complications. The presence of neurological deficits and deterioration are not uncommonly associated with spinal cord ependymoma surgery, including sensory loss, dorsal column dysfunction, dysesthetic syndrome, and bowel and bladder dysfunction, particularly in the immediate postoperative period. Surgical treatment may also lead to wound complications and CSF leaks, with increased risk when radiotherapy has been involved. Radiation therapy may also predispose patients to radiation myelopathy and ultimately result in neurological damage. Additionally, resections of spinal ependymomas have been associated with postoperative spinal instability and deformities, particularly in the pediatric population. Despite the advances in microsurgical techniques and intraoperative cord monitoring modalities, there remain a number of serious complications related to the treatment of spinal ependymoma tumors. Identification and acknowledgment of these potential problems may assist in their prevention, early detection, and increased quality of life for patients afflicted with this disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberE13
JournalNeurosurgical focus
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

Keywords

  • Complication
  • Ependymoma
  • Spine
  • Surgery
  • Treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Surgery

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