Objective To investigate the effects of the dual-subject three-step method on perioperative outcomes in patients with intradural tumors.

Methods A total of 86 patients with intradural tumors were enrolled in a prospective study and were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 43 patients per group. The control group received routine perioperative care, while the observation group underwent intervention of the dual-subject three-step method. The recovery process, psychological state Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) at different perioperative time points, lumbar spine function scores of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and occurrence of complication were observed.

Results The observation group exhibited shorter durations for first flatus, first ambulation, recovery of bowel movements, and hospital stay compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 1 day preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, and 1 month after discharge (P < 0.05). At discharge, 1 month after discharge, and 6 months during follow-up, the JOA scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The complication rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (6.98% versus 25.58%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion Application of the dual-subject three-step method in patients with intradural tumors can effectively improve psychophysical stress, reduce complications, improve lumbar spine function, and promote early postoperative recovery.