Microscopic Excision of Neurilemmoma of the Extremities

사지에 발생한 신경초종의 미세수술적 치료

Neurilemmomas are the most common benign tumor of the peripheral nerve trunks, and arises from the cells in the sheath of Schwann. Neurilemmomas are well encapsulated and may be separated easily from surrounding tissue and lie completely within a larger nerve trunk, with bundles of neurofibrils spread out over the surface of the tumor. A careful dissection and retraction of the nerve bundles will allow the tumor to be enucleated from the parent nerve without any significant interference with the function of the nerve. Resection of the involved nerve is seldom necessary and should be avoided if at all possible. Our aim in microscopic excision of neurilemmoma of extremities is to reduce any disturbance of the intact neurofibrils of the parent nerve. Thirteen cases of neurilimmomas were treated by microscopic excision at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Hospital between January 1990 and March 1995. The results was as follows ; 1. The average age at surgical intervention was 40.1 years. Cases in fourth and fifth decades predominated. 2. In their anatomical distribution, 8 cases were in the upper extremity and 5 cases in the lower extremity. 11 cases were on the flexor surface. 3. On the operative field, all the tumors were well encapsulated, however 1 case of 13 was adherent to the periosteum of fibula. 4. In all cases, the tumor were enucleated from the parent nerve without any injury to nerve under high-power magnification, preserving individual fascicles, and sensory and motor function.