Surgical management of brachial plexus region tumors

BACKGROUND Brachial plexus region tumors are uncommon and often present a challenge to neurosurgeons. METHODS Provide a brief historical overview, a description of the anatomy, and contribute information that provides management guidelines and improves surgical outcomes for tumors of the brachial plexus region. We also review different surgical approaches followed by surgical outcome from recent studies, as well as our own experience of treating 42 patients with tumors of the brachial plexus region at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center between 1990 and 2001. RESULTS A thorough understanding of the anatomy, the clinical presentation, imaging techniques, and the various surgical approaches for brachial plexus tumor resection is necessary to ensure the best possible treatment outcome. CONCLUSION We conclude that with proper patient selection and appropriate perioperative and intraoperative management, neurologic deficits from brachial plexus tumor surgery can be minimized. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.