Background:
Schwannomas of the cauda equina are rare intradural primary spinal tumors. Many of these patients initially present with cauda equina syndromes, and only 2.2% demonstrate clinical recurrence. Gross total excision is the procedure of choice.
Case description:
A 62-year-old female had undergone resection of a cauda equina schwannoma 5 years previously. She newly presented with cauda equina symptoms attributed to a recurrent schwannoma. Following gross total secondary tumor resection, the patient's preoperative deficits fully resolved, and the tumor never recurred.
Conclusion:
Secondary gross total excision of schwannomas of the cauda equina is critical to avoid further tumor recurrence.