[인터뷰] Kim Eun-sang, professor of neurosurgery at Korea University Guro Hospital
“There is nothing good about taking it off quickly. Spinal cord tumors are mostly benign tumors, so they grow slowly and do not metastasize to other places. On the contrary, if the surgery is done hastily and the spinal nerves are accidentally damaged, the quality of life will only drop.”
It was a clear explanation befitting a doctor of spinal tumor surgery. Professor Kim Eun-sang of Neurosurgery opened a new home at Korea Daegu Guro Hospital in March this year. Guro Hospital recruited him because he has performed about 400 spinal tumor surgeries so far and has extensive research achievements and clinical experience at Mayo Clinic in the United States.
he is The core of spinal cord and spinal tumor surgery is ‘minimally invasive surgery’ that operates without damaging the spinal nerves and surrounding tissues.He said. This is because the spinal cord is a central nervous system connected to the brain and is responsible for essential bodily functions in life, from reflexes that move the body to gastrointestinal activities and physiological phenomena.
“In the past, it was thought that removing the entire spinal cord tumor was the unconditional answer. However, recently, ultrasonic aspiration is used to break the tumor into small pieces and remove it little by little. “If a spinal tumor attached to the vertebrae is removed all at once, not only pain but also serious motor dysfunction may occur.”
However, patients who develop malignant tumors or tumors in the conus spinal cord (where the nerve nuclei of bowel and sexual function are located) need surgery sooner. If surgery is performed too late, body functions may not recover properly even if the tumor is removed. he is “Determining the optimal surgical timing for each patient is also very important in spinal tumor treatment.“He emphasized.
For patients who complain that surgery is not performed, they explain the reason in as much detail as possible and tell them that they do not have to receive treatment.
“In cases like this, I ask them to get opinions from other doctors and come back when they are sure. “Each person is precious, but ultimately the final choice lies with the patient.”
Lastly, Professor Eunsang Kim urged us to keep this one thing in mind. “The saying that nothing good can come of rushing is exactly what they say about spinal cord tumors.no see. If the doctor says you don’t need surgery, trust him and follow him..”
TIP. Professor Kim Eun-sang talks about ‘spinal cord tumor’. This is a must!
If you feel muscle weakness, such as unexplained back pain for more than 6 weeks, loss of sensation in your hands or toes, or loss of strength in your hands, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Be careful if you have a spinal tumor in your immediate family (presumed to be influenced by genes)
If you experience back pain while fighting cancer, seek medical attention immediately (cancer may have spread to other parts of the body).
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol as much as possible (the relationship with spinal cord tumor is not known, but the risk of complications after surgery is high and recovery is slow)
5. Do regular stretching to relax muscles and strengthen flexibility after surgery (you can walk within a week after surgery. You can return to daily life without problems after about 2 weeks).
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