Seizure outcomes of lesionectomy in pediatric lesional epilepsy with brain tumor – Single institute experience

PurposeTo determine the clinical characteristics, surgical strategy, and outcome in pediatric lesional epilepsy patients younger than 5 years of age undergoing surgery in a single institute.MethodRetrospective data were collected and analyzed on patients younger than 5 years of age who underwent lesionectomy for lesional epilepsy at single institute from January 2001 to August 2010. Fourteen pediatric lesional epilepsy patients were enrolled in this study. Engel classification was used to classify seizure outcome.ResultsMedian preoperative seizure period was 1 month (range, 1–21). Median post-operative follow up period was 35 months (range 13–84). Ten patients who underwent gross total resection of tumor showed Engel class Ia seizure outcome without any antiepileptic drug (AED). Subtotal resection was performed in four patients to avoid eloquent area injury. Two of these four patients with subtotal removal became seizure-free (Engel class Ia) without AED, while two were in Engel class Ib with AED medication. There was no significant surgical morbidity or mortality.ConclusionLesionectomy in children younger than 5 years of age is relatively safe and effective in controlling seizures. Short preoperative seizure periods and total removal of tumor might be associated with good outcome. Therefore, early and complete lesionectomy alone may help allow for seizure freedom and optimal brain development in pediatric patients.