Clinical Analysis and Surgical Outcomes of 15 Cases of Cauda Equina Tumors

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results of gross total resection of cauda equina tumors.Patients and Methods: Between June 2007 and October 2011, 9 males and 6 females (mean age 37) diagnosed with intradural tumor in the region of the cauda equina were surgically treated at Suez Canal University Hospital. The neurological and functional states of each patient were evaluated according to the modified McCormick scale. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in diagnosis and follow-up.Results: The most common symptoms presented were pain (in 93.3%); weakness presented by 2 patients (13.3%), and incontinence by 1 patient (6.6%). Gross total resection (achieved in 13 patients = 86%) through a posterior approach. Surgical resection of these tumors led to significant alleviation of pre-operative symptoms.Conclusions: Cauda equina tumors generally carry a favorable prognosis: Most of these tumors are benign, and the aim of treatment is to restore function and prevent recurrences. The determining factors for optimal clinical results after surgery are a gross total resection of the tumor and good neurological condition before the operation.