The Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Tumors of the Craniocervical Junction
Surachai Khaoroptham MD*, Pakrit Jittapiromsak MD*, Rungsak Siwanuwatn MD*, Kraisri Chantra MD*
Affiliation : * Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Objective : The authors report the clinical, radiological, and surgical findings of patients with craniocervical
junction tumors surgically treated in the institution over the last 8 years.
Materials and Methods : A retrospective study was performed. Clinical, radiological, and operative data were
evaluated, and follow-up information was obtained from outpatient examinations, and telephone interviews.
Results : There were 25 patients consisting of nine chordomas, eight meningiomas, three cysts, two
schwannomas, one each of aneurysmal bone cyst, plasmacytoma, and metastasis. Twenty-nine operative pro-
cedures were performed, classified as 12 anterior, nine posterior-lateral, and eight posterior approaches.
Gross total removal was achieved in 17 cases, subtotal removal in six cases, and partial removal in two cases.
Re-operation was performed in six cases. Median follow-up time was 31 months. The authors found significant
improvement in Karnofsky Performance Scale scores.
Conclusion : Appropriate surgical approaches provide successful tumor removal with less surgical morbidities,
nevertheless recurrent tumors occasionally occur, and so, long-term follow-up is mandatory.
Keywords : Craniocervical junction tumors, Foramen magnum, Chordoma, Meningioma, Surgical approach
