Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2005 , Vol 15 , Num 1
Surgical Strategy for Foramen Magnum Tumors
Funda BATAY1, Hakan YAKUPOĞLU1, Aykan ULUS1, Haluk DEDA2
1Deda-Bayındır Nörolojik Bilimler Merkezi, Ankara
2Ankara Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Nöroşirürji AD, Ankara
OBJECTIVE: Foramen magnum tumors are most challenging tumors to treat because a large number of vital neurovascular structures are located around this region. These structures should be considered in planning the appropriate operative approach to the foramen magnum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we described our experiences with foramen magnum tumors and discussed 3 cases where we used different operative approaches.

The midline suboccipital approach is mostly found to be insufficient for anteriorly or laterally located foramen magnum tumors. Vertebral artery mobilization or resection of the condyle may be indicated, depending on the extent and location of the tumor and its specific pathology. Tumor invading the occipital condyle, or resection of most of the condyle during surgery, may cause occipito-cervical instability and require fusion.

CONCLUSION: With a careful, extensive pre-operative evaluation of foramen magnum tumors and appropriate tailoring of a convenient operative approach, radical tumor resection can be performed more frequently with expectation of good outcome. Anahtar Kelimeler : Foramen magnum tumors, surgical strategy