scholarly journals Improved patient quality of life following intradural extramedullary spinal tumor resection

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 640-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Viereck ◽  
George M. Ghobrial ◽  
Sara Beygi ◽  
James S. Harrop

OBJECTIVE Resection significantly improves the clinical symptoms and functional outcomes of patients with intradural extramedullary tumors. However, patient quality of life following resection has not been adequately investigated. The aim in this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected quality of life outcomes is to analyze the efficacy of resection of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors in terms of quality of life markers. METHODS A retrospective review of a single institutional neurosurgical administrative database was conducted to analyze clinical data. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the EQ-5D-3 L descriptive system were used to analyze quality of life preoperatively, less than 1 month postoperatively, 1–3 months postoperatively, 3–12 months postoperatively, and more than 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS The ODI scores increased perioperatively at the < 1-month follow-up from 36 preoperatively to 47. Relative to preoperative values, the ODI score decreased significantly at 1–3, 3–12, and > 12 months to 23, 17, and 20, respectively. VAS scores significantly decreased from 6.1 to 3.5, 2.4, 2.0, and 2.9 at the < 1-month, 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups, respectively. EQ-5D mobility significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but improved at the 3- to 12-and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D self-care significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but significantly improved by the 3- to 12-month follow-up. EQ-5D usual activities improved at the 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D pain and discomfort significantly improved at all follow-up points. EQ-5D anxiety and depression significantly improved at 1- to 3-month and 3- to 12-month follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Resection of intradural extramedullary spine tumors appears to significantly improve patient quality of life by decreasing patient disability and pain and by improving each of the EQ-5D domains.

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-273
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Nigro ◽  
Pasquale Donnarumma ◽  
Roberto Tarantino ◽  
Marika Rullo ◽  
Antonio Santoro ◽  
...  

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Nadim M. Nasr ◽  
Jay J. Liao ◽  
Inge Molzahn ◽  
David Marsh ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE Benign and malignant tumors of the spine significantly impair the function and quality of life of many patients. Standard treatment options, including conventional radiotherapy and surgery, are often limited by anatomic constraints and previous treatment. Image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife system (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) is a novel approach in the multidisciplinary management of spinal tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery on pain and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with spinal tumors. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 200 patients with benign or malignant spinal tumors treated at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and September 2006. Patients were treated by means of multisession stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife as initial treatment, postoperative treatment, or retreatment. Pain scores were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life was assessed by the SF-12 survey, and neurological examinations were conducted after treatment. RESULTS Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 40.1 to 28.6 after treatment (P &lt; 0.001) and continued to decrease over the entire 4-year follow-up period (P &lt; 0.05). SF-12 Physical Component scores demonstrated no significant change throughout the follow-up period. Mental Component scores were significantly higher after treatment (P &lt; 0.01), representing a quality-of-life improvement. Early side effects of radiosurgery were mild and self-limited, and no late radiation toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with spinal tumors. CyberKnife offers durable pain relief and maintenance of quality of life with a very favorable side effect profile.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mauro JE ◽  
Storino C ◽  
Bianconi MI ◽  
Farah C ◽  
D’Atri FJ

Vulvar cancer represents 4% to 5% of Low Genital Tract Tumors (LGTT) and 1% of all cancers in women. Treatment depends on stage, and when possible surgery is preferable. Advanced cancers require large resections (with needs grafts and-or rotating flaps), radio and/or chemotherapy, all of which can lead to high morbidity and quality of life impairment. To minimize these effects, in 1994, we developed a cryosurgery prospective protocol to manage vulvar cancer in patients with comorbid conditions.Patients and Methods: Between 1994 and 2019 we treated n=41 patients: FIGO stages I: n=2 (4.88%) II: n=9 (21.95%), III: n=28 (68.29%), IV: n=2 (4.88%). Median age 64.3 (28 to 90 years old), and 70% were 70 years old or older, 59% had severe comorbidities (diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive user).Cryosurgery Protocol:Firstly, tumor resection, hemostasis, and 2 rapid freezing- slow thawing cycles with Liquid Nitrogen (LN) spray. The cycles should include the logde and a 1.5 cm safety margin. After complete healing (between 45 and 95 days after cryosurgery), nodes are treated according to FIGO stages. Result:All patients after the effects of the anesthesia were able to urinate spontaneously, walk, had minimal analgesic requirements, with good postoperative. The patients remained in the hospital for one or two days, and with rare exceptions, were discharged the following day with controls twice a week at the hospital. None of the patients required flaps or grafts to repair the treated areas. After complete healing they maintained the vulvar sensitivity and considerably improved their quality of life. Some of them, who had a partner, were able to resume their sexual intercourse.Mean follow-up: 55.39 (3 months to 258 months). Five patients had local recurrences between 12 and 72 months after treatment, and were controlled with a new cryosurgery. Six patients had HPV related lesions located in other areas of the lower genital tract, which were also controlled with cryosurgery. Twenty five of them died 19 due to an unrelated cause of death, and 6 due to disease progression in the nodes without vulvar recurrence, 9 patients survived and were free of disease with a mean follow-up of 53 months. Seven patients, after a disease free follow up of 17.2 months, weren ́t able to be controlled, as they lived more than 400 km way from the hospital. Local control was achieved in all patients.Comments: Cryosurgery can be done after any previous treatment, and can be repeated to control recurrences.Conclusion: Given the simplicity of the technique, its low cost, the possibility of being used in patients with multiple co-morbidities, the absence of major complications, and the anatomical and functional results obtained, we believe that cryosurgery can be considered among the best options to control of vulvar cancer, even large or advanced cases, in elderly patients and-or with severe comorbidities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 839-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Ishida ◽  
Joshua Casaos ◽  
Arun Chandra ◽  
Adam D’Sa ◽  
Seba Ramhmdani ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEWith the advent of intraoperative electrophysiological neuromonitoring (IONM), surgical outcomes of various neurosurgical pathologies, such as brain tumors and spinal deformities, have improved. However, its diagnostic and therapeutic value in resecting intradural extramedullary (ID-EM) spinal tumors has not been well documented in the literature. The objective of this study was to summarize the clinical results of IONM in patients with ID-EM spinal tumors.METHODSA retrospective patient database review identified 103 patients with ID-EM spinal tumors who underwent tumor resection with IONM (motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, and free-running electromyography) from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients were classified as those without any new neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up (group A; n = 86) and those with new deficits (group B; n = 17). Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and IONM findings were collected and statistically analyzed. In addition, a meta-analysis in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines was performed to estimate the overall pooled diagnostic accuracy of IONM in ID-EM spinal tumor resection.RESULTSNo intergroup differences were discovered between the groups regarding baseline characteristics and operative data. In multivariate analysis, significant IONM changes (p < 0.001) and tumor location (thoracic vs others, p = 0.018) were associated with new neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up. In predicting these changes, IONM yielded a sensitivity of 82.4% (14/17), specificity of 90.7% (78/86), positive predictive value (PPV) of 63.6% (14/22), negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.3% (78/81), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893. The diagnostic value slightly decreased in patients with schwannomas (AUC = 0.875) and thoracic tumors (AUC = 0.842). Among 81 patients who did not demonstrate significant IONM changes at the end of surgery, 19 patients (23.5%) exhibited temporary intraoperative exacerbation of IONM signals, which were recovered by interruption of surgical maneuvers; none of these patients developed new neurological deficits postoperatively. Including the present study, 5 articles encompassing 323 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, and the overall pooled diagnostic value of IONM was a sensitivity of 77.9%, a specificity of 91.1%, PPV of 56.7%, and NPV of 95.7%.CONCLUSIONSIONM for the resection of ID-EM spinal tumors is a reasonable modality to predict new postoperative neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up. Future prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate its diagnostic and therapeutic utility.


2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (12) ◽  
pp. 1207-1211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Hastings ◽  
Malika Garg ◽  
Elizabeth T. Lynn ◽  
Celia M. Divino

Ileovesical fistulas (IVFs) are an uncommon complication of Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to compare long-term surgical outcomes, assess quality of life, and quantify patient satisfaction after IVF repair. A retrospective chart review followed by a prospective survey was carried out. Survey questions focused on patient satisfaction and quality of life after repair of IVF. Fifty-one patients were identified from an administrative database. Mean follow-up was 4.3 years with a response rate of 51 per cent. At the time of the study, 0 per cent mortality and 16 per cent morbidity were recorded. No recurrence was noted. There was no statistical significance in incidence of complications between laparoscopic and open surgery. Statistically significant differences in single-stage versus multistage operations were found in postoperative day of discharge ( P < 0.001) and patient satisfaction ( P = 0.049). Ninety-eight per cent of patients reported extreme satisfaction with their surgery and an improvement in quality of life. A low incidence of morbidity and recurrence supports early surgical intervention in IVFs.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 540-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Degen ◽  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Jean-Marc Voyadzis ◽  
Donald A. McRae ◽  
Michael Lunsden ◽  
...  

Object. The authors conducted a study to assess safety, pain, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes following CyberKnife radiosurgical treatment of spinal tumors. Methods. Data obtained in all patients with spinal tumors who underwent CyberKnife radiosurgery at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and March 2003 were analyzed. Patients underwent examination, visual analog scale (VAS) pain assessment, and completed the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months following treatment. Fifty-one patients with 72 lesions (58 metastatic and 14 primary) were treated. The mean follow-up period was 1 year. Pain was improved, with the mean VAS score decreasing significantly from 51.5 to 21.3 at 4 weeks (p < 0.001). This effect on pain was durable, with a mean score of 17.5 at 1 year, which was still significantly decreased (p = 0.002). Quality of life was maintained throughout the study period. After 18 months, physical well-being was 33 (initial score 32; p = 0.96) and mental well-being was 43.8 (initial score 44.2; p = 0.97). (The mean SF-12 score is 50 ± 10 [standard deviation].) Adverse effects included self-limited dysphagia (three cases), diarrhea (two cases), lethargy (three cases), paresthesias (one case), and wound dehiscence (one case). Conclusions. CyberKnife radiosurgery improves pain control and maintains QOL in patients treated for spinal tumors. Early adverse events are infrequent and minor. The authors await long-term follow-up data to determine late complications and tumor control rates.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Tarantino ◽  
Pasquale Donnarumma ◽  
Loenzo Nigro ◽  
Marika Rullo ◽  
Antonio Santoro ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Intradural extramedullary tumors (IDEMTs) are uncommon lesions that cause pain and neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of surgery for IDEMTs. METHODS: This cohort study recruited all patients operated on for IDEMTs at the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry of Sapienza University of Rome from January 2003 to January 2013. The analysis was conducted on clinical records evaluation over a 1-year follow-up. The Graphic Rating Scale was used to assess pain. Neurological deficits were detected through neurological examination. Quality of life was evaluated with the EuroQol (EQ-5D). Statistical interpretation of the data was performed with SPSS version 19 software. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients were recruited. Three were lost to follow-up. Patients reported lower level of pain 1 year after surgery (before surgery, 6.05; after surgery, 3.65). Mean comparison showed a significant decrease of −2.400 (P &lt; .001). Ninety-two patients (88.5%) were neurologically asymptomatic 1 year after surgery. Only 12 patients (11.5%) presented with a deficit, with a global decrease of 39% (χ2 = 27.6; P &lt; .005). The quality of life in patients was middle to high (mean rating of EQ-5D visual analog score, 61.78%). The lowest levels of quality of life were found in patients with sphincter dysfunctions (mean, 33.4). CONCLUSION: Surgery for IDEMTs has a good outcome. Patients reported lower levels of pain and a drastic reduction in neurological symptoms 1 year after surgery. The quality of life is middle to high. It is influenced mainly by the neurological outcome.


2018 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stepan Fedorko ◽  
Klaus Zweckberger ◽  
Andreas W. Unterberg

OBJECTIVEPineal region tumors are a rare and heterogeneous group of lesions. The optimal therapeutic approach is currently a topic of controversy, particularly in light of the potential operative risks and complications. The potential beneficial effects of surgery have already been described, but information about neurological outcome and, in particular, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is still lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of resection of pineal region lesions, emphasizing grade of tumor resection, neurological outcome, quality of life, and the necessity of additional shunt procedures.METHODSThe authors performed a prospective study of HRQOL in 32 patients who had undergone surgical treatment of lesions in the pineal region (20 tumors and 12 cysts) between 2008 and 2014. All patients had at least 6 months of follow-up, with reexamination including standardized neurological assessment, an evaluation of dependency using the modified Rankin Scale, and an evaluation of HRQOL. The authors retrospectively examined patient charts and collected information regarding imaging studies, neurological status prior to surgery, surgical strategies used, any complications, and histological diagnoses.RESULTSIn this study, there was no surgery-associated mortality or major morbidity. Permanent minor morbidity was reported for 4 patients (13%). Comparing pre- and postoperative neurological symptoms, 75% of tumor patients had either complete resolution or improvement of preoperative symptoms; symptoms were unchanged in 10% of tumor patients and deteriorated in 15%. In patients with pineal cysts, long-term follow-up showed that 42% of patients were free of any symptoms and 58% experienced improvement of their preoperative symptoms. These outcomes were also reflected in the modified Rankin Scale scores, which demonstrated significant improvement following resection of pineal region lesions. Furthermore, significant improvements in HRQOL scores occurred in global health status, in all functional scales, and in pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and insomnia (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a significant reduction in the necessity for permanent shunt procedures was observed after gross-total tumor resection compared with subtotal resection (p = 0.035) of pineal cysts.CONCLUSIONSDespite potential risks, (radical) surgery is a highly effective and safe treatment option for pineal region lesions and should be considered for the majority of patients.


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