[Postoperative outcome of surgical interventions for epilepsy between 2005 and 2016 at the Epilepsy Center of Pécs].

Introduction: Epilepsy as a chronic, severe neurologic disease significantly influences the quality of life of the epileptic patients. In candidates well selected for surgery, the seizure freedom is realistically achievable, and the quality of life can be further improved with complex individual rehabilitation.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery between 2005 and 2016 at the Epilepsy Center at Pécs.

Method: We evaluated seizure status at regular follow-up visits after surgery and the quality of life using questionnaires focusing on employment and social status.

Results: 76% of the 72 patients who underwent surgical resection for epilepsy were free from disabling seizures , and 10% had rare disabling seizures (almost seizure-free), 7% experienced worthwhile improvement and 7% had no worthwhile improvement. Comparing the employment status of patients free from disabling seizures to patients not free from disabling seizures, we found that the employment status is significantly influenced by seizure freedom (p<0.01, Fisher's exact test). While 67% of seizure-free patients were employed, only 19% of patients not free from disabling seizures were hired.

Conclusion: Our results resemble the international tendencies and success rate, proving epilepsy surgery as an available, valid and effective treatment in well selected patients. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(7): 270-278.