Neurosurgery
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Data on radiotherapy for trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) and comparison of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) are limited. ⋯ Tumor control rates for TSs are excellent with SRS and FSRT with minimal toxicity. This represents the first documented report of a flare phenomenon after FSRT for TS treatment. Flare risk after FSRT in previously resected large lesions should be discussed with patients before treatment, and prophylactic oral steroids may be considered.
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Clinical Trial
Posterior-only approach for en bloc sacrectomy: clinical outcomes in 36 consecutive patients.
En bloc resection of primary sacral tumors has a demonstrated survival benefit. Total and high sacral amputations are traditionally performed by using a staged anterior and subsequent posterior approach. However, we have found that en bloc resection and biomechanical reconstruction of the spinal column is possible from a posterior-only approach in many cases. ⋯ It may be possible to perform a posterior-only approach to en bloc sacral resections/reconstructions in patients with tumors that do not extend beyond the lumbosacral junction or invade the bowel requiring bowel resection and diversion.