Post-operative outcome evaluation of intramedullary ependymomas

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the microsurgery technique used aiming total tumor resection without causing neurological deficits, with special attention to the patients with good functional status before surgery. Method: This study has evaluated according to the McCormick functional scale the surgical outcome of a series of twenty patients with intramedullary ependymomas submitted to microsurgical resection. Results: Total surgical resection was achieved in 19 of the 20 patients (95%). Only one patient experienced clinical worsening (5%). Patients classified as McCormick grade I and II who were independent pre-operatively remained so in the post-operative period and had their tumors completely removed. In grade II patients there was a significant improvement in their post-operative status. None of the grade IV patients improved after surgical treatment. Conclusion: Surgical treatment has proven to be efficient in completely removing tumors without adding neurological deficits in most patients. In patients with McCormick grades I and II pre-operatively surgery should be indicated early in the diagnosis.