Neurological research
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Neurological research · Jun 2014
ReviewEn bloc resection of primary tumors of the thoracic spine: indications, planning, morbidity.
We aimed to describe surgical planning, technique, and complications of en bloc resection in the thoracic spine in patients who opted for surgery with en bloc resection and a tumor-free margin. ⋯ En bloc resection is a demanding procedure and requires careful planning after a careful decision-making process. The patient has to correctly understand the purpose of the surgery, based on oncological staging, in order to accept or decide against the procedure after weighing the possible morbidity and functional loss against the expected final result. TECHNIQUES OF EN BLOC RESECTION: Seven different strategies to perform en bloc resection in the thoracic spine, based on four combinations of surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, anterior followed by posterior, and posterior followed by simultaneous anterior and posterior) are identified and proposed. This planning is based on Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini (WBB) surgical staging. The surgical plan was designed to achieve the required oncologic margin with the minimum achievable morbidity.
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Neurological research · Jun 2014
Case ReportsAre they too old? Surgical treatment for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression in patients aged 65 years and older.
We aimed to assess the efficacy of surgical decompression of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients ≧65 years and review our multidisciplinary surgical decision-making process. ⋯ With careful patient selection, surgery may achieve long duration of ambulation in patients ≧65 years with MESCC.