Microsurgery for Tumours in Foramen Magnum

Objective To explore the diagnosis and microsurgical treatment of the tumors in the foramen magnum. Methods The clinical data of 22 patients with tumors in the foramen magnum who underwent microsurgery in our hospital from March, 1992 to April, 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Microsurgery through suboccipital approach and lateral transcondylar approach was performed respectively in 20 patients and in 2 patients. Results The tumors were totally resected in 18 patients, subtotally in 3 and partially in 1. No patients died of surgery. Of 15 patients followed up from 4 months to 8 years, 12 were recovered well, 2 improved in the muscle power of the limbs and 1 had slight palsy of his four limbs. Conclusions The symptoms of tumors in the foramen magnum are occult early, and they are often misdiagnosed. MRI is a essential method to diagnose the tumors in the foramen magnum. The curative effects of microsurgery on the patients with tumors in foramen magnum are good.