P17.43.A PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMOUR RESECTION AT A UK TERTIARY NEUROSURGICAL CENTRE: A 9-YEAR SERVICE EVALUATION

Abstract BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs) have varied presentations and the potential for significant functional impact. This service evaluation reviews patient characteristics, lesion distribution, and surgical outcomes for PNST patients over a 9-year period at a tertiary neurosurgical centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of 88 PNST resections in 79 patients from March 2015 to November 2024. Data was extracted from electronic care records, and included demographics, presenting symptoms, lesion location, histology and post-operative outcomes at 3 months or more. RESULTS The median age at presentation was 48 years (range 13-83, SD 17.8); 50% were male. 21%, were known to have NF2/schwannomatosis. The most common presenting symptoms were pain (83%), paraesthesia (32%,), and/or motor weakness (18%). 34% had objective sensory changes or loss of power. The most common tumour site was in the brachial plexus (47%), with the remainder evenly split between major upper and lower limb nerves. The median tumour size was 30mm (range 7-87mm, SD 17.1). Most were found to be benign schwannomas (76%) or other benign neoplasia (23%); malignant synovial sarcoma was found in 1 case. Follow-up outcome data were available in 80% of patients. Pre-operative pain was improved in 94%. Less than 1% had new post-op pain. Pre-op sensory deficits remained stable/improved in 95%; pre-op motor weakness improved in 77% (n=10/13). New persistent motor weakness remained in less than 1% of the patients. CONCLUSION Surgical PNST resection offers favourable outcomes, with high rates of symptom resolution and minimal residual/new deficits.