Surgical Treatment of Malignant Extradural Spinal Tumours

Abstract

A series of 145 patients with spinal-cord compression from verified extradural malignant tumours has been presented. All were treated by laminectomy, often supplemented by other forms of treatment. There was an operative mortality rate of 6%. Ten patients deteriorated after operation. Forty-four patients improved sufficiently and for an adequate period of time to justify the treatment given. Various prognostic factors are discussed. Earlier diagnosis and treatment appear to offer the only hope of improving a rather unsatisfactory position. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.