Complications after treatment of intramedullary spinal cord tumors

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system. Therapeutic approaches for treatment of symptomatic IMSCTs typically involve surgery and in certain cases, adjuvant radiation therapy. Although there are numerous potential benefits to surgery and radiation therapy, significant risks also accompany these interventions. In this review, the complications associated with surgical intervention and radiation therapy for IMSCTs will be elaborated. Surgical complications, including the risks of postoperative neurologic deficit, spinal cord tethering, infection, and spinal instability will be discussed. Complications of radiation therapy, such as myelopathy and secondary neoplasms, will be addressed. Issues related to complication avoidance and management will also be reviewed.