Our Summary

This research paper discusses the treatment of a type of benign spinal tumor called spinal meningiomas (SMs) in people aged 80 and above. SMs are becoming more prevalent due to the aging population in developed countries. The main symptom is local pain, and diagnosis usually occurs after a sudden decline in neurological health. The best treatment option for this group of patients is not well known.

The study examined medical records from a single institution between 2005 and 2020. It collected data on patient characteristics, neurological conditions, level of disability, surgical details, complications, hospital stay, and mortality rates within 90 days.

The study found that 30 patients aged 80 or above who had been diagnosed with SMs underwent a type of surgery called posterior decompression via laminectomy and microsurgical tumor resection. Most of these tumors were located in the thoracic spine. Prior to surgery, 70% of these patients had experienced a decline in their neurological health.

The study found that the mortality rates during the hospital stay and within 90 days were 6.7% and 10% respectively. However, the surgery significantly improved the patients’ motor scores and neurological condition. The only risk factor for complications was the severity of other health conditions the patients had.

The study concluded that this type of surgery can improve the health outcomes for patients aged 80 or above with SMs and declining neurological health. The surgery appears to be the best treatment for SMs in elderly patients, even those with poor health conditions, as long as the anesthetic risk is acceptable.

FAQs

  1. What is the best treatment option for spinal meningiomas in patients aged 80 and above according to this study?
  2. What was the mortality rate for patients aged 80 and above who underwent surgery for spinal meningiomas?
  3. What improvement did the patients experience after undergoing the surgery for spinal meningiomas?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering spinal decompression to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of the procedure, particularly if they are elderly or have other health conditions. In some cases, surgery may be the best option to improve neurological health and quality of life, but it is important to discuss all potential outcomes with your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper posture, can help prevent spinal issues in the future.

Suitable For

Spinal decompression surgery, specifically posterior decompression via laminectomy and microsurgical tumor resection, is typically recommended for patients aged 80 and above with spinal meningiomas and declining neurological health. These patients often present with local pain and a sudden decline in neurological function. The surgery has been shown to significantly improve motor scores and neurological condition in these patients, despite the risks associated with surgery in elderly individuals with other health conditions. Overall, spinal decompression surgery is considered a viable treatment option for elderly patients with spinal meningiomas who are experiencing neurological decline.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experiences before and after spinal decompression:

Before spinal decompression:

  • Patients aged 80 and above experience local pain
  • Sudden decline in neurological health leads to diagnosis of spinal meningiomas
  • 70% of patients experience decline in neurological health prior to surgery

During spinal decompression surgery:

  • Posterior decompression via laminectomy and microsurgical tumor resection is performed
  • Most tumors are located in the thoracic spine
  • Surgery significantly improves motor scores and neurological condition

After spinal decompression:

  • Mortality rates during hospital stay and within 90 days are 6.7% and 10% respectively
  • Surgery is found to be the best treatment option for elderly patients with spinal meningiomas and declining neurological health
  • Complications are more likely in patients with severe underlying health conditions, but overall surgery is safe and effective for this population.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal decompression surgery for treating spinal meningiomas in elderly patients?

  2. How will the surgery impact my overall neurological health and motor function?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following spinal decompression surgery?

  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for spinal meningiomas in elderly patients, and how do they compare to spinal decompression surgery?

  5. How will my pre-existing health conditions affect the success and outcomes of the surgery?

  6. What is the long-term prognosis for patients aged 80 and above who undergo spinal decompression surgery for spinal meningiomas?

  7. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the surgery?

  8. How experienced is the medical team in performing spinal decompression surgery for spinal meningiomas in elderly patients?

  9. What are the specific surgical techniques that will be used during the procedure, and how do they contribute to successful outcomes?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery to optimize my recovery and overall health?

Reference

Authors: Lenga P, Gülec G, Bajwa AA, Issa M, Kiening K, Ishak B, Unterberg AW. Journal: Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Oct 18;58(10):1481. doi: 10.3390/medicina58101481. PMID: 36295641