Surgical management of giant schwannoma in the lumbosacral region.

Giant lumbosacral schwannoma is rare and only 11 cases have been reported. We experienced two cases: a 58-year-old woman with recurrent schwannoma from L2 to S3, and a 52-year-old woman with schwannoma from T12 to L5. Total resection was possible in the latter case, which was the patient's first operation. Although she had neurologic deterioration, there was no recurrence during the 4-year follow-up. The recurrent case required a bone graft because of her fragile spine, and she was severely disabled. In the literature, total resection has been confirmed in only two cases of a first operation. Total resection is nonetheless strongly recommended in spite of the risk of leaving a neurologic deficit.