Abstract
Achieving gross total resection of the tumor is one of the most important factors in promoting long-term recurrence-free survival in the management of spinal intramedullary ependymomas. Therefore, total resection is primary goal of treatment in the modern era. In this perspective, presence of natural dissection plane between the tumor and the spinal cord is crucial to achieve gross total resection. Some large tumors, often devoid of dissection plane, may preclude gross total resection and increase the risk of postoperative neurological compromise. Moreover, modalities of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring have evolved recently to avoid additional neurological deficits in resection of these tumors. In this chapter, we describe up-to-date knowledge about spinal intramedullary ependymomas including refined operative techniques for complete resection and surgical outcome.
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Acknowledgement
The authors give special thanks to Judy (Eun-hui) Park, BS in Neuroscience, Wellesley College, Boston, USA for invaluable assistance and kind support.
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Kim, HJ., Hyun, SJ., Yoon, S.H., Kim, KJ. (2013). Adult Spinal Intramedullary Ependymomas: Complete Resection. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 10. Tumors of the Central Nervous System, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5681-6_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5681-6_33
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