Spinal cordectomy for the management of thoracic malignant intraspinal tumors in paraplegic or irreversibly, severely paraparetic patients. A technical remark
Background: Malignant Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor are a relatively uncommon entity affecting patients whose prognosis is quickly and relentlessly dismal. Since the ‘50s Spinal Cordectomy’ has been advocated for the surgical management of these conditions, but to date, no standard operative protocol has been reported yet. Objective: Although apparently “easy”, burdened by virtually no further risk for the neurological function in paraplegic or severely paraparetic patients, SCt conceals notable pitfalls and surgical problems that are to date not yet completely discussed.