BACKGROUND: Benign schwannoma is the most common tumor of peripheral nerves. However, the clinical course of excision and risk factors associated with postoperative neurological deficits are not well known. We evaluated the incidence of preoperative symptoms, the incidence of postoperative neurological deficits, and the risk factors of neurological deficits.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 76 patients with schwannomas treated at our institution. We reviewed the clinical characteristics, and postoperative results, and determined the possible risk factors influencing the development of complications.RESULTS: Excision of schwannoma improved the Tinel-like signs in 47 of 51 patients and spontaneous pain in 14 of 15. Eleven of 17 patients with sensory deficits showed complete recovery, but six continued to show deficits with or without improvement. Motor deficits that were observed in four patients persisted in one. New neurological deficits developed in 21 patients and persisted until final follow-up in 8. Tinel-like signs was the risk factor of surgery-related neurological deficits (p = 0.009).CONCLUSIONS: New deficits developed predominantly in patients with preoperative Tinel-like signs. Attention should be given to patients with the factor.
Adult Aged