PROGRES RECENTS DANS LE TRAITEMENT NEUROCHIRURGICAL DES TUMEURS INTRA-MEDULLAIRES

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator have strongly modified our surgical strategy in intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Our experience, based on 19 cases, has convinced us that radical removal of intramedullary spinal cord tumors may be accomplished without exacerbating neurological deficit in the majority of patients. The quality of results depends on the pre-operative neurological deterioration. No paraplegic patients have improved. All these tumors, even gliomas, may be removed so that radiotherapy has no more indication, but it is too early to claim that these patients are cured. Neurological and MRI follow-up is necessary during some years.SCOPUS: ar.j