Gross total resection rates of grade II/III intramedullary ependymomas using the surgical strategy of en-bloc resection without intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring.

Introduction: Grade II and III intramedullary ependymomas [IME] are circumscribed with a plane of cleavage that should facilitate high gross total resection rates (GTR). Gross total resection of grade II/III IME is superior to subtotal resection (STR) and radiotherapy (RTx) for progression-free and overall survival. We sought to compare our GTR with other series that have utilised standard intraoperative monitoring techniques and we explored factors that may influence rates of resection.