Surgical complications of extraspinal tumors in the cervical spine: a report of 110 cases and literature review

Purpose To assess the safety of surgical intervention for extraspinal tumors in the cervical spine. Methods 110 consecutive patients were enrolled and followed- up at least 12 months or until death. The complication rates and risk factors were documented and analyzed. Results The quality of life in the surviving patients was significantly improved. The overall local recurrence rate was 17.3%. Twenty percent of patients developed distant metastasis. The perioperative mortality rate (30 days after surgery) was 0.9%. The complication related mortality was 1.8%. The rates of overall complication and major complication were 41.8% and 20.9%, respectively. The independent predictors for overall complications were Karnofsky score <60, multisegmental resection, and operation time >3 h. The independent predictors of major complications were comorbidity, tumor location at C1-C2, and combined approach. Conclusions Surgery for cervical spine tumor could improve the quality of life, though it might be accompanied with high morbidity and mortality. It is a highly demanding procedure; however, it can be performed to an acceptable degree of safety.