RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH BENIGN TUMORS OF THE SPINE

Objective. To validate the approach to treatment of patients with primary tumors of the spine. Material and Methods. The experience of surgical treatment of 47 patients with benign tumors of the spine was analyzed. The treatment approach was defined with the account of tumor type and localization, and of patient’s somatic status. The diseased area was examined with the help of X-ray, CT scanning, and MRI, and a punch biopsy in some patients. Results. The tumor recurrence was registered in 6 (14.6 %) patients. This shows that in some cases the exact margins of the tumor were not defined despite the comprehensive diagnostic possibilities. Functional results of the treatment implied the restoration of the spine support ability and the pain regress in all observations. Bone plasty was the method of choice for interbody defect replacement. Conclusion. The radical surgery (corpectomy and spondylectomy) considerably reduces the risk of tumor recurrence. Lumbosacral location of the tumor with paravertebral extension presents serious technical problems in its total removal. Autogenic cortical cancellous bone proved to be a good plastic material for defect replacement after vertebra resection and fusion.