Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Spinal Cord Compression in Patients With Hematological Malignancy

Background We investigated the outcome of surgical treatment of patients with radiosensitive hematological malignancies presenting with spinal cord compression.

Methods Retrospective review of 50 patients who had treatment between 1993 and 2012.

Results The neurological outcome was favorable in 35 patients, stable in 12, whereas 3 patients deteriorated. Decompression within 48 hours from referral was associated with a superior neurological recovery (P = .001). Complications were noted in 11 patients, and 6 of these underwent secondary surgery. Early (30-day) mortality was 8%. Radiotherapy was associated with increased incidence of complications (χ² = 0.009). Patients who had low blood hemoglobin preoperatively as well as those who remained totally bedridden postoperatively had an inferior overall survival rate (P < .001).

Conclusion Patients with cord compression from hematological malignancy benefit from early surgical decompression. There is an inherent high risk for complications, which increases further if radiotherapy is given. Patients failing to ambulate after surgery have a poor prognosis.