Minimally invasive removal of lumbar intradural extramedullary lesions using the interlaminar approach

Indications for Fusion With Intradural Spine Tumor Resection in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The evidence for instrumented fusion in the setting of degenerative, traumatic, or congenital deformity is well established. Data on fusion indications in intradural spinal tumors (IDST) are scarce and reduced to retrospective studies. The objective of this work is to systematically review the published literature since 2015 and analyze the change of practice patterns for stabilization and fusion after intradural tumor resection in adults.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed via PubMed with the terms: "intradural spinal tumors", "intramedullary spinal tumors", and "intraspinal tumors". The analysis was limited to adult patients with IDST and studies with more than 10 patients. Data on the proportion of patients who underwent instrumentation and had postoperative deformity was pooled in a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1073 articles were identified and 47 papers were selected. All the studies were retrospective series and a total of 2473 patients were included. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 96 months, the pooled spinal fixation rate was 6% (95% CI 4.5%-7.6%), the pooled laminoplasty rate was 14.4% (95% CI 5.9%-23%), the pooled rate of postoperative deformity or malalignment in patients with a follow up of at least 6 months was 2.1% (95% CI 1.2%-3%) and just 7 patients were reoperated due to progressive deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on existing evidence, the rate of fusion during resection of intradural spinal tumors is low. Prophylactic fixation is often unnecessary and only indicated in unique cases that require extensive bony resection.

Pure endoscopic minimally invasive surgery with a non‑expandable tubular retractor for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors

Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) for intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors is a safe and effective surgical strategy. Currently, various tubular retractors are widely used in the MISS of IDEM spinal tumors, primarily relying on microscopic visualization. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no report of pure endoscopic surgery with parallel non-expandable tubular retractors for IDEM spinal lesions. The present study reports a case series of IDEM spinal tumors that were treated via pure endoscopic MISS with a parallel non-expandable tubular retractor. The extent of tumor resection was evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The initial and follow-up clinical conditions were assessed according to the visual analog scale for pain and the modified McCormick scale for neurological status. Postoperative MRI demonstrated that all cases had achieved a gross total resection. After the operation, the clinical symptoms of all patients were significantly improved and there were no serious postoperative complications. At the initial follow-up, the pain experienced by the patients was significantly reduced or had even disappeared, and the neurological deficit was improved by at least one grade on the modified McCormick scale. The present report indicates that pure endoscopic MISS with a parallel non-expandable tubular retractor may be an effective and safe surgical strategy for IDEM spinal tumor resection.

Percutaneous Full Endoscopic Management of Spinal Foraminal Schwannomas: Case Series

BACKGROUND

Schwannoma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, is perhaps only secondary to degenerative pathology as the most common lesion at neural foramen. The surgical dilemma here is either risking nerve injury because of inadequate exposure or the need for internal fixation because of facet joint sacrifice.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of management of foraminal schwannomas by percutaneous full-endoscopic technique.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent full-endoscopic resection of neural foraminal schwannomas. Tumors were grouped into either medial type or lateral type based on relevant location to the neural foramen, and respective surgical approaches were adopted. Data including preoperative neurological status, tumor size, surgery time, the extension of resection, and clinical outcomes were collected. The learning curve was plotted as surgical time/tumor size against case number.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were treated between May 2015 and March 2022. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 patients, and near-total resection in 1 case, with 1 patient experienced transient voiding difficulty. No tumor recurrence or spinal instability was detected in the short-term follow-up (median follow-up 22 months, range 3 months-6 years). Surgical efficiency improved with the number of cases operated on and remained stable after the initial 10 cases.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous full-endoscopic technique is a safe and minimally invasive technique for the resection of foraminal schwannomas.

Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis on Ten-Years' Experience of Minimally Invasive Surgery and a Comparison with the Open Approach

Spinal intradural extramedullary (ID-EM) tumors are pathologies widely treated through a classical open approach. However, minimally invasive surgery is gaining traction as a comparable treatment option because it carries less morbidity and may reduce healthcare costs.This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of open versus minimally invasive approaches for patients with ID-EM tumors. We performed a retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data from patients with ID-EM tumors submitted to surgery. Baseline features and operative variables were compared, including surgery duration and estimated blood loss (EBL). Postoperative data covered tumor histology, length of stay (LOS), complication(s), and neurological status (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale) at the last follow-up.In total, 46 patients were included: 30 (65.2%) operated through an open approach and 16 (34.8%) through a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach. The predominant histology type was schwannomas (43.5%). Lesions more frequently affected the lumbar spine (34.8%). The tumor dimensions were similar in both cohorts. The minimally invasive approach was on average 76.7 min faster and correlated positively with less EBL (140 mL less than that of the open approach). Patients in the MIS group had shorter LOSs (5.63 days vs. 17.27 days) and had fewer postoperative complications. No significant difference in functional outcome was found.MIS is as effective as the traditional approach in achieving comparable functional outcomes, with advantages such as shorter surgery durations, less blood loss, and shorter hospital LOSs.

Minimally Invasive Resection of Benign Osseous Tumors of the Spinal Column: 10 Years' Experience and Long-Term Outcomes of a Specialized Center

Background and Objectives: Benign osseous tumors of the spinal column comprise about 10% of all spinal tumors and are rare cause for surgery. However, these tumors pose various management challenges and conventional surgery may be associated with significant morbidity. Previous reports on minimally invasive resection of these lesions are rare. We report a series of patients managed by total resection of benign osseous spine tumors using MIS techniques. Surgical decisions and technical considerations are discussed. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for removal of benign osseous vertebral tumors. Demographic, clinical and radiographic features, operative details and final pathological reports were summarized. Primary outcomes were completeness of tumor resection and pain relief assessed by VAS for back and leg pain. Secondary outcome measures were recurrence of tumor on repeat post-operative MRI and postoperative unstable deformity on standing scoliosis X-rays. Results: This series included 32 cases of primary osseous spine tumors resected by minimally invasive techniques. There were 17 males and 15 females aged 5-68 years (mean 23.3). The follow-up period was 8-90 months (mean 32 months) and the preoperative symptoms duration was 9-96 months. Axial spinal pain was the presenting symptom in all the patients. Five patients also complained about radicular pain and four patients had antalgic scoliosis. The tumor involved the thoracic spine in 12 cases, the lumbar segment in 11, the cervical in 5 and the sacral area in 4 cases. Complete tumor removal was performed in all patients. No procedure-related complications were encountered. Histopathology showed osteoid osteoma in 24 patients, osteoblastoma in 5 patients, and fibrous dysplasia, fibroadenoma and eosinophilic granuloma in one case each. All patients experienced significant pain relief after surgery, and had stopped pain medications by 12 months postoperatively. No patient suffered from tumor recurrence or spinal deformity. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery is feasible for total removal of selected benign vertebral tumors and may have some advantages over conventional surgical techniques.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment and Sports Rehabilitation of Sports Dance Athlete's Waist Injury

The issue of sports injury and rehabilitation has been a hot topic in competitive sports. With the continuous development of sports dance sports requirements and competition system, the competition is becoming increasingly fierce and the special technical requirements are more stringent; it can easily cause eye damage. Traditional Chinese medicine clinics often use Chinese medicine internal treatment, external Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage, cupping, scraping, exercise, and other treatment methods to treat waist injuries, which have the characteristics of significant curative effect, small side effects, and being not easy to relapse. It plays an important role in the recovery and treatment of athletes, allowing athletes to better repair, reduce physical discomfort, and achieve better results. The increase in training difficulty and intensity leads to more frequent sports injuries, so the recovery of athletes after injury is particularly important. Based on the above background, the purpose of this article was to study the traditional Chinese and Western medical treatment and sports rehabilitation for waist injuries of sports dance athletes. This article analyzes the technical problems existing in the training process of sports dance athletes from the perspective of sports training, and analyzes the nature of sports dance athletes' waist injuries and the causes of injuries. In this article, 45 sports dance athletes were randomly divided into three groups: traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Western medicine. Patients treated with the optimized combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine were regarded as the traditional Chinese and Western medicine group. The clinical symptoms, limb circumference, waist function rehabilitation, and overall efficacy of the three groups were observed. At the same time, changes in physical examination indicators before and after treatment were observed to evaluate the safety of the treatment. The experimental results showed that the total effective rate of the Chinese and Western medicine group was 95%, the total effective rate of the Chinese medicine group was 84%, and the total effective rate of the Western medicine group was 90%. The symptoms and waist injuries of the three groups were improved to varying degrees. The results of this experiment provide a reference for protecting the physical health and scientific training of athletes, and also provide training ideas and methods for coaches and scientific and medical personnel.

Primary Benign Tumors of the Spinal Canal

Benign tumors that grow in the spinal canal are heterogeneous neoplasms with low incidence; from these, meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors (neurofibromas and schwannomas) account for 60%-70% of all primary spinal tumors. Benign spinal canal tumors provoke nonspecific clinical manifestations, mostly related to the affected level of the spinal cord. These tumors present a challenge for the patient and healthcare professionals, for they are often difficult to diagnose and the high frequency of posttreatment complications. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, molecular biology, and treatment of extramedullary benign meningiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurysmal bone cysts, osteochondromas, neurofibromas, giant cell tumors of the bone, eosinophilic granulomas, hemangiomas, lipomas, and schwannomas located in the spine, as well as possible future targets that could lead to an improvement in their management.

Comparison of Neuroendoscopic and Microscopic Surgery for Unilateral Hemilaminectomy: Experience of a Single Institution

Objective

This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of unilateral hemilaminectomy conducted under complete neuroendoscopic visualization (UHNV) relative to unilateral hemilaminectomy under total microscopic visualization (UHMV) for the treatment of patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors.

Methods

In total, 41 patients undergoing intraspinal tumor resection at Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital were included in this study, including 20 and 21 patients in the UHNV and UHMV groups, respectively. Intraoperative parameters including incision length, operative duration, number of vertebral laminae removed and intraoperative blood loss, as well as indicators of curative efficacy such as total tumor resection rates and postoperative symptom improvement rates, and safety indicators including complication rates, recurrence rates, spinal deformity rates, spinal instability incidence, and length of stay (LOS), were compared between the two groups.

Results

In contrast to the UHMV group, patients in the UHNV group had a significantly shorter incision length and decreased intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05), while the operative duration (P > 0.05) showed no statistical difference. Although the postoperative improvement and total tumor resection rates were enhanced, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In comparison, the bedridden time and length of stay (LOS) were significantly shortened (P < 0.05) in the UHNV group. However, there were no significant differences in recurrence, incidence of complications, spinal deformity, and spinal instability (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings indicate that UHNV is not inferior to the UHMV approach. Moreover, due to its safe and minimally invasive nature, UHNV represents a promising alternative to UHMV as a treatment for patients with intradural extramedullary tumors.

Flexible thecoscopy for extensive spinal arachnoiditis

OBJECTIVE

Chronic adhesive spinal arachnoiditis (SA) is a complex disease process that results in spinal cord tethering, CSF flow blockage, intradural adhesions, spinal cord edema, and sometimes syringomyelia. When it is focal or restricted to fewer than 3 spinal segments, the disease responds well to open surgical approaches. More extensive arachnoiditis extending beyond 4 spinal segments has a much worse prognosis because of less adequate removal of adhesions and a higher propensity for postoperative scarring and retethering. Flexible neuroendoscopy can extend the longitudinal range of the surgical field with a minimalist approach. The authors present a cohort of patients with severe cervical and thoracic arachnoiditis and myelopathy who underwent flexible endoscopy to address arachnoiditis at spinal segments not exposed by open surgical intervention. These observations will inform subsequent efforts to improve the treatment of extensive arachnoiditis.

METHODS

Over a period of 3 years (2017-2020), 10 patients with progressive myelopathy were evaluated and treated for extensive SA. Seven patients had syringomyelia, 1 had spinal cord edema, and 2 had spinal cord distortion. Surgical intervention included 2- to 5-level thoracic laminectomy, microscopic lysis of adhesions, and then lysis of adhesions at adjacent spinal levels performed using a rigid or flexible endoscope. The mean follow-up was 5 months (range 2-15 months). Neurological function was examined using standard measures. MRI was used to assess syrinx resolution.

RESULTS

The mean length of syringes was 19.2 ± 10 cm, with a mean maximum diameter of 7.0 ± 2.9 mm. Patients underwent laminectomies averaging 3.7 ± 0.9 (range 2-5) levels in length followed by endoscopy, which expanded exposure by an average of another 2.4 extra segments (6.1 ± 4.0 levels total). Endoscopic dissection of extensive arachnoiditis in the dorsal subarachnoid space proceeded through a complex network of opaque arachnoidal bands and membranes bridging from the dorsal dura mater to the spinal cord. In less severely problematic areas, the arachnoid membrane was transparent and attached to the spinal cord through multifocal arachnoid adhesions bridging the subarachnoid space. The endoscope did not compress or injure the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal endoscopy allowed visual assessment and safe removal of intradural adhesions beyond the laminectomy margins. Further development of this technique should improve its effectiveness in opening the subarachnoid space and untethering the spinal cord in cases of extensive chronic adhesive SA.

Comparison of Total Laminectomy and Pedicle Screw Internal Fixation with Ultrasonic- and Microscopic-Assisted Laminectomy Replantation for Tumors of the Lumbar Spinal Canal: A Retrospective Study of 60 Cases from a Single Center

BACKGROUND Total laminectomy with pedicle screw internal fixation is the most common surgical procedure for patients with primary tumors arising in the spinal canal, but the procedure has several limitations. This study aimed to compare total laminectomy and pedicle screw internal fixation with ultrasound- and microscope-assisted laminectomy replantation surgery in patients with tumors of the lumbar spinal canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted. Sixty patients with tumor spinal canal were admitted to our hospital. Patients in group A (n=32) underwent total laminectomy and pedicle screw internal fixation; patients in group B (n=28) underwent laminectomy replantation with ultrasonic and microscopic assistance. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, operative segment, length of hospital stay, postoperative length of bed rest, and visual analog scale (VAS) score after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS Hospital stay and postoperative bed rest time of patients in group B were shorter than those in group A (P=0.004). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and postoperative pain relief of group B were significantly lower than those of group A (P=0.000). There was no significant difference in postoperative pathological results between the 2 groups (P=0.901). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound- and microscope-assisted laminectomy replantation resulted in the reduced intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, length of hospital stay, and postoperative VAS pain score, compared with total laminectomy and pedicle screw internal fixation for the surgical removal of tumors of the lumbar spinal canal.

Double tubular minimally invasive spine surgery: a novel technique expands the surgical visual field during resection of intradural pathologies

OBJECTIVE

A major challenge of a minimally invasive spinal approach (MIS) is maintaining freedom of maneuverability through small operative corridors. Unfortunately, during tubular resection of intradural pathologies, the durotomy and its accompanying tenting sutures offer a smaller operating window than the maximum surface of the tube's base. The objective of this study was to evaluate if a novel double tubular technique could expand the surgical visual field during MIS resection of intradural pathologies.

METHODS

A total of 25 MIS resections of intradural extramedullary pathologies were included. A posterior tubular interlaminar fenestration was performed in all surgeries. A durotomy covering the whole diameter of the tubular base was the standard in all cases. After placement of two tenting sutures on each side of the durotomy and application of tension, the resulting surface of the achieved dura fenestration was measured after optical analysis of the intraoperative video. In the next step, a second tube, 2 mm thinner than and the same length as the first, was inserted telescopically into the first tube, resulting an angulated fulcrum effect on the tenting sutures.

RESULTS

Optical surface analysis of the dura fenestration before and after the second tubular insertion verified a significant widening of the visual field of 43.1% (mean 18.84 mm2, 95% CI 16.8-20.8, p value < 0.001). There were no ruptured tenting sutures through the increased tension. Postoperative MRIs verified complete resection of the pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Inserting a second tube telescopically during posterior minimally invasive tubular spinal intradural surgery leads to an angulated fulcrum effect on the dura tenting sutures which consequently increases the surface of the dura fenestration and induces a meaningful widening of the visual field.

Feasibility of unilateral hemilaminectomy utilizing a Williams retractor for the resection of intradural-extramedullary spinal neoplasms

BACKGROUND

While open approaches have historically been used in the surgical treatment of intradural-extramedullary spine tumors, minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) techniques are frequently applied to minimize post-operative complications associated with open surgery. Tubular retractor systems in particular have been employed in combination with the unilateral hemilaminectomy (UHL) approach. Here we describe the use of a Williams retractor as a safe and effective minimally-invasive alternative to tubular retractor systems with similar post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of eight patients who underwent unilateral hemilaminectomy using a Williams retractor for the minimally-invasive resection of intradural-extramedullary neoplasms at a large tertiary academic center from 2017 to 2019. Patient demographics, pathologic specimens, radiographic studies, and intraoperative parameters were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In our series, gross total resection was achieved in all cases. Average operative time was 158±40minutes, the mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 44.4±30.4mL, and mean length of stay was three days. All patients reported symptomatic improvement at follow-up as reported by Visual Analog Scale scores.

CONCLUSION

A Williams retractor yields similar outcomes with respect to post-operative pain, operative time, and EBL as it maintains the advantages of the UHL approach in the resection of intradural-extramedullary spine tumors while enhancing feasibility and providing significant cost savings.

The History of Neurosurgical Spinal Oncology: From Inception to Modern-Day Practices

The neurosurgical management of spinal neoplasms has undergone immense development in parallel with advancements made in general spine surgery. Laminectomies were performed as the first surgical procedures used to treat spinal neoplasms. Since then, neurosurgical spinal oncology has started to incorporate techniques that have developed from recent advances in minimally invasive spine surgery. Neurosurgery has also integrated radiotherapy into the treatment of spine tumors. In this historical vignette, we present a vast timeline spanning from the Byzantine period to the current day and recount the major advancements in the management of spinal neoplasms.

Clinical outcomes of posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation for upper cervical intraspinal tumors: a case series

Objective

This study was performed to introduce posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of upper cervical spinal cord tumors and investigate the curative effects.

Methods

Eighteen patients (11 men, 7 women) who underwent surgical treatment of an upper cervical intraspinal tumor from January 2008 to June 2013 were reviewed. Clinical parameters including age, sex, affected spinal levels, lesion location, duration and type of symptoms, and pathological features were retrospectively investigated.

Results

The mean operation time was 181.9 ± 25.5 minutes (range, 135–240 minutes), and the mean blood loss volume was 1038.9 ± 284.2 mL (range, 750–1530 mL). The Frankel grade, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and Karnofsky performance status score were significantly better postoperatively than preoperatively. The radiographic examination revealed good bone graft fusion. Two patients developed tumor recurrence, while four patients developed intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Management of upper cervical intraspinal tumors by posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation can relieve compression of the cervical cord and nerve root, thoroughly remove the tumor lesion, reconstruct the stability of the upper cervical spine, and improve patients’ quality of life.

Revisiting the surgical corridors for cervical Type IIb-c dumbbell neurofibroma: A series of two unconventional approaches and review of literature

Background:

Cervical sub-axial dumbbell neurofibromas (NFs) account for nearly 20% of all NFs, with prognosis depending on the extent of excision. When majority of tumor is extra-foraminal (Tomaya's Type IIb and c), certain unconventional anterolateral or posterolateral neck approaches are used for maximum safe excision. In our article, we provide a brief review of the literature regarding various surgical approaches, emphasizing the utility of posterolateral or combined anterior and posterior neck approaches for such giant NF.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained surgical databases, from our hospital discharge codes, for all cervical Type IIb-c dumbbell NF patients, who underwent surgery at our institution between 2015 and 2019. Clinical variables included age at admission, clinical presentation, and surgical difficulties, and the outcome was analyzed.

Results:

Four patients of age ranging from 22 to 45 years (M:F 3:1) were operated by posterolateral (n = 3) and combined anteroposterior (n = 1) approach. Three patients underwent near-total excision and one patient had total excision. One patient with tumor capsule attached to roots of upper brachial plexus had motor deficit, who was re-admitted for neurotization. There was no intraoperative complication.

Conclusion:

Posterolateral approach for cervical dumbbell giant NFs is safe, effective, and promises maximum safe excision. The major blood vessels including carotid artery or jugular veins in neck and vertebral artery at foraminal portion are directly under vision and control of surgeon. Despite near-total excision, wherein small part of adhered capsule is left, recurrence rate is low.

Flexible endoscope visualization to assist in the removal of a string of 10 schwannomas at the cauda equina: technical case report

Bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina are rare but benign intraspinal tumors. They can involve multiple nerve roots and spread within the spinal canal, and open resection would cause significant trauma. The authors have successfully applied a novel minimally invasive technique for the total removal of such schwannomas. A 68-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of left waist and leg pain. MRI demonstrated multiple intraspinal lesions located from L1 to S1. The diagnosis was bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina. Two incisions were made at the T12 and L5 levels. A flexible endoscope was introduced into the spinal canal following hemisemilaminectomy under a microscope to identify the relationship between the tumors and the carrying nerves. After dissecting both cranial and caudal ends of the carrying nerve, the string of bead-like tumors was gently pulled out from the caudal end as a whole. The endoscope was reintroduced into the spinal canal to ensure complete tumor removal. The patient recovered quickly, and no tumor residual was found at postoperative MRI. Flexible endoscope-assisted visualization plus microscopic hemisemilaminectomy via 2 incisions is a feasible minimally invasive approach for selected patients with bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina.

Use of an endoscope for spinal intradural pathology

The endoscope has been increasingly used to treat various spinal diseases. However, the application of spinal endoscopy in an intradural lesion has been less common compared to that of an epidural counterpart. The authors reviewed existing literature describing spinal endoscopy as an aid in surgical treatment for intradural pathologies. Importantly, available literature indicated the safety and feasibility of spinal endoscopy for intradural lesions. Especially, an endoscope was utilized for intradural subarachnoid cystic lesions, tethered cord syndrome, extramedullary tumors, spinal arteriovenous malformations, and cordectomy for intractable pain. The results of this review should enhance further development and broaden application of an endoscope for various intradural pathologies.

Benign Intradural and Paraspinal Nerve Sheath Tumors: Advanced Surgical Techniques

Traditional surgical techniques for benign intradural and paraspinal nerve sheath tumors often consisted of open posterior approaches. However, these were limited by the morbidity of open surgery. In addition, iatrogenic instability is often required for total resection of larger or laterally located tumors, thus necessitating the use of additional hardware for spinal fusion. Advances in surgical techniques and technologies have allowed for a plethora of minimally invasive approaches throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. These approaches and their particular applications for the resection of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors are described, with special attention to modern surgical strategies.

Minimally invasive resection of spinal hemangioblastoma: feasibility and clinical results in a series of 18 patients

OBJECTIVE

Hemangioblastomas are benign, highly vascularized tumors that can occur sporadically or as part of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Traditionally, spinal hemangioblastomas have been surgically treated via an open approach. In recent years, however, minimally invasive techniques using tubular retractors have been increasingly applied in spine surgery. Such procedures involve less tissue trauma but are also particularly demanding for the surgeon, especially in cases of highly vascular tumors such as hemangioblastomas. The object of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive resection of selected spinal hemangioblastomas.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective single-center study of all patients who, between January 2010 and January 2018, had been operated on for spinal hemangioblastoma via a minimally invasive approach performed at the surgeon's discretion. The surgical technique is described and the pre- and postoperative neurological and imaging results were analyzed descriptively. The primary outcome was the postoperative compared to preoperative neurological condition (McCormick grade). The secondary outcomes were the extent of tumor resection and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients, 12 female and 6 male, harboring a total of 19 spinal hemangioblastomas underwent surgery in the study period. Seventeen patients had stable neurological findings with stable or improved McCormick grades (94.5%) at a mean of 4.3 months after surgery. One (5.5%) of the 18 patients developed progressive neurological symptoms with a worsened McCormick grade that did not improve in the long-term follow-up. Sixteen of the 18 patients had VHL disease, whereas 2 patients had sporadic spinal hemangioblastomas. In all patients, postoperative MRI showed complete resection of the tumors. No other surgery-related perioperative or postoperative complications were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimally invasive approach for the resection of selected spinal hemangioblastomas is safe and allows complete tumor resection with good clinical results in experienced hands.

Surgical management of a cervical intramedullary hemangioblastoma presenting with intracystic hemorrhage by hemi-semi-laminectomy via a posterior approach

Background and Importance

Cervical spinal cord hemangioblastoma with intracystic hemorrhage is a rare entity and presents a challenge for clinicians with regard to its timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Case Presentation

A 35-year-old man presented with sudden-onset acute and progressive neck pain and severe radicular pain in his left upper limb. Motor weakness and numbness in the left upper and lower limbs with gait ataxia followed 2 days later. His initial diagnosis was acute myelitis, and he was treated with glucocorticoids for 2 weeks. Follow-up contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a spinal cystic hemangioblastoma with intracystic hemorrhage at the C3-4 level. The tumor was totally removed by minimally invasive unilateral hemi-semi-laminectomy via a posterior transcystic approach. The postoperative course was uneventful, and postoperative MRI revealed no residual tumor. The patient showed full neurological recovery at the 1.5-year follow-up, and computed tomography with a volume-rendering technique showed regrowth of the left C3 lamina.

Conclusion

Close MRI follow-up and thin-section imaging are invaluable for the timely diagnosis of spinal hemangioblastoma with intracystic hemorrhage, which was safely removed via minimally invasive microsurgery in the present case.

Microscopic Keyhole Technique for Surgical Removal of Thoracic Spinal Meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the microscopic minimally invasive keyhole technique for surgical resection of thoracic spinal meningiomas.

METHODS

Seventeen consecutive patients with thoracic spinal meningiomas were included in the series from May 2015 to August 2017. All patients were treated using a microscopic keyhole technique through a tubular retractor system. The demographic data and perioperative variables were recorded. At last follow-up, clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale for pain and the American Spinal Injury Association scale for motor and sensory outcome.

RESULTS

All patients underwent microscopic keyhole surgery and complete resection was achieved. Mean operative time was 153.2 minutes (range 115-300 minutes). Mean blood loss during surgery was 110.3 mL (range 50-175 mL). No infection or aggravation of spinal cord injury occurred after operation, except for 2 patients who had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage that recovered after conservative treatment. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.8 days (range 5-10 days). At the last follow-up, all patients had a reduced level of pain as suggested by an average visual analog scale score that improved from 7.6 to 0.2. The American Spinal Injury Association grade improved or remained normal in all patients except 1. No evidence of tumor recurrence or secondary spinal deformity was observed in any patients during the postoperative follow-up period, and spinal stabilities were found to be satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, the microscopic minimally invasive keyhole technique can be used safely and effectively for resection of thoracic spinal meningiomas.

Two Cases with Incidental Finding of Large Asymptomatic Intradural Lumbar Tumors

Benign lumbar intradural tumors are statistically uncommon and usually present with complaints of back pain with or without radicular neurological complaints. This report involves two separate patients that were found incidentally to have large intradural tumors without any neurologic complaints. In both cases the tumors were discovered when having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after minor auto accidents. Neither patient had any pre-existing lumbar or neurologic complaints. The report will review the different regions and types of incidental findings commonly seen on lumbar MRI scans and the need for close follow-up in patients with incidental lesions such as tumors.

"Microendoscopic" versus "pure endoscopic" surgery for spinal intradural mass lesions: a comparative study and review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Endoscopy is increasingly being used for minimal invasiveness and panoramic visualization, with unclear efficacy and safety among spinal intradural mass.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to compare microendoscopic and pure endoscopic surgery for spinal intradural lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spinal intradural lesions operated using endoscopic or access ports were categorized into "microendoscopic" (predominant microscope use) or "pure endoscopic" (stand-alone endoscopy) surgery, and were studied with respect to clinico-radiological features, techniques, perioperative course, histopathology, clinical, and radiological outcome at minimum of 3 months.

RESULTS

Among 34 patients studied, the initial 15 had "microendoscopic" surgery, 16 had "pure-endoscopic" surgery, and 3 had "mixed" use. There were 18 nerve sheath tumors, 6 meningiomas, 6 cysts, 2 ependymomas, ranging in size from 1.5 to as large as 6.8 cm (21%≥4 cm), including 4 in craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Intermuscular or paraspinous approach was utilized, followed by small bony fenestration or interlaminar corridor. Even larger tumors could be excised using expandable ports or "sliding delivery" technique. Although visualization of sides and angles was better with endoscope, hemostasis and dural closure had steep learning curve, necessitating the use of microscope in the initial cases. Clinical improvement and radiological resolution could be achieved in all. There was no significant difference between the groups. The change in Nurick grade had significant correlation with only the dimension of lesion (p=.03) and preoperative grade (p=.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is probably the first report of spinal endoscopy for intradural tumors in CVJ or as big as 7 cm. Endoscopy is effective and safe for even large tumors with better visualization of sides and angles, albeit with hemostasis and dural closure having initial learning curve. Wide heterogeneity of surgical terminologies in the literature on these procedures warrants consensus for uniform reporting.

Agreement between transverse T2-weighted and three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state sequences in the evaluation of spinal cord disease in dogs

The constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence has been widely used in human neuroimaging. It has been shown to be advantageous in the evaluation of intra-axial and extra-axial cystic abnormalities, arteriovenous and dysraphic malformations and disturbances of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. To assess the utility of this technique in small animals, interpretations based on this sequence were compared with those based on T2-weighted (T2W) sequences in 145 dogs that underwent MRI of the spine for suspected spinal cord disease. Two sets of images (T2W and CISS) were reviewed separately by three observers in random order and intraobserver and interobserver agreements between both sequences were evaluated for several categorical variables. The overall agreement between T2W and CISS sequences was good. The highest agreement was observed for lesion diagnosis (0.739<k<0.928), treatment recommendation (0.715<k<0.833) and degree of spinal cord compression (0.772<k<0.952). The agreement for intramedullary intensity change (0.192<k<0.332) was lower compared with the other variables. Lesions that were predominantly characterised by focal hyperintense parenchymal changes on T2W were in some instances undetected on the CISS sequence while lesions consistent with spinal arachnoid diverticula on CISS sequences were occasionally missed on T2W. CISS enabled demonstration that lesions were directly affecting associated spinal nerves in some cases where T2W sequence was equivocal. Although CISS does not replace standard spin echo sequences, the results support inclusion of this sequence in small animal spinal MRI studies when subarachnoid diverticula or spinal nerve compression is suspected.

Real-time ultrasound-MRI fusion image virtual navigation for locating intraspinal tumour in a pregnant woman

BACKGROUND

Standard fluoroscopic guidance (C-arm fluoroscopy) has been routinely used for intraoperative localization of spinal level for surgical removal of intraspinal tumour, while it is not suitable for selected patients, e.g. pregnant women, who need to avoid radiation exposure. Fusion imaging of real-time ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free technique which has been reported to have good localization accuracy in managing several conditions.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 37-year-old pregnant patient, presented with a progressively aggravating lower back pain for 20 days and was incapable of lying supine with lower extremities swelling for 1 week, was referred to our hospital in her 18th week of gestation. Lumbar MRI identified an L1 level intraspinal lesion, and surgery was planned. To avoid the ionizing radiation generated by fluoroscopy, volume navigation technique (VNT) based fusion imaging of US and MRI was used to localize the intraspinal lesion, which was removed entirely via minimally invasive interlaminar approach. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ependymoma of the conus medullaris. Her symptoms were largely relieved after the operation, and a healthy baby was delivered at the 40th week of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

We presented the first case of using VNT based fusion imaging of real-time US/MRI to guide the surgical resection of an intraspinal tumour. Future study with larger patient number is needed to validate this technique as an alternative to fluoroscopy in patients who need to avoid radiation exposure.

Lumbar laminotomy and replantation for the treatment of adult spinal epidermoid cyst: A case report

RATIONALE

Adult spinal epidermoid cyst (SEC) is a rare tumor. Lumbar laminectomy and tumor removal was a routine surgical procedure for adult spinal epidermoid cyst according to the literature, but postoperative lumbar instability and intractable low back pain may occur. In this study, we presented a brief report of an adult lumbar epidermoid cyst and introduced another surgical approach.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This 28-year-old woman has been complaining of the severe right buttock pain and right thigh radiating pain for half a year. She had been diagnosed as sacroiliitis, spinal arthritis, and lumbar disc herniation at 3 different hospitals before coming to our hospital. And she received a variety of conservative treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, acetaminophen, glucocorticoids, acupuncture, physical therapy, and so on. However, her pain did not diminish at all. Finally, we find a space-occupying lesion in her lumbar magnetic resonance images (MRI). The lesion was slightly low, equal, and uneven equal-low signals on T1WI. T2WI showed slightly higher, equal, and uneven equal-high signals. And a thin-rim enhancement was observed on Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI.

DIAGNOSES

Adult spinal epidermoid cyst.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent a surgery of lumbar laminectomy, tumor excision, and spinous process-vertebral plate in situ replantation.

OUTCOMES

Postoperative pathology prompted that the tumor was cystoid. The patient's symptoms were completely removed 1 week after surgery. Three-month postoperative MRI confirmed that the spinal epidermoid cyst had been completely removed and three-dimensional CT prompted lumbar lamina in situ. Bony fusion occurred at 6 months after the surgery.

LESSONS

Lumbar laminotomy and replantation provides an ideal option to treat adult spinal epidermoid cyst because it can completely remove the cyst and simultaneously reduce the risk of iatrogenic lumbar instability.

Keyhole approaches to intradural pathologies

OBJECTIVE

Spinal tumors account for 2%–4% of all tumors of the central nervous system and can be intramedullary, intradural extramedullary, or extradural. In the past, wide approaches were used to obtain safe access to these tumors, as complete resection is the goal in treating most tumor entities. To reduce surgical complications due to large skin incisions and destabilizing laminectomies, minimally invasive approaches were established. In this study, the authors share their experience with mini-open approaches to intradural tumor pathologies.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed cases involving patients with intramedullary and intradural extramedullary lesions treated between 2009 and 2016. They present their surgical mini-open approach to the spinal cord as well as unique characteristics, key steps, and postsurgical complications for specific tumor subgroups (meningioma, neuroma, and intramedullary tumors).

RESULTS

A total of 245 intradural tumors were surgically treated during the study period. Of these lesions, 151 were intradural extramedullary meningiomas (n = 79) or neuromas (n = 72). Nine (12.5%) of the neuromas were dumbbell neuromas. Ninety-four tumors were intramedullary. The mean age of the patients was 51.4 years, and 53.9% were female. The mean duration of follow-up was 46.0 months.

All meningiomas and neuromas could be resected using a mini-open keyhole approach, but only 5.3% of the intramedullary lesions could be accessed using this technique. Of the 94 patients with intramedullary tumors, 76.6% required a laminotomy, 7.4% required a hemilaminectomy, and 10.6% required a 2-level laminectomy. Only 2 of the patients with intramedullary tumors needed stabilization for progressive cervical kyphosis during follow-up. None of the other patients developed spinal instability after undergoing surgery via the mini-open (keyhole/interlaminar) approach. There were significantly more surgery-associated complications in the large exposure group than in the patients treated with the mini-open approach (19.1% vs 9.6%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Intradural extramedullary and in selected cases intramedullary pathologies may safely be resected using a mini-open interlaminar approach. Avoiding laminectomy, laminotomy, and even hemilaminectomy preserves spinal stability and significantly reduces comorbidities, while still allowing for complete resection of these tumors.

Minimally Invasive Microsurgical Resection of Primary, Intradural Spinal Tumors is Feasible and Safe: A Consecutive Series of 83 Patients

BACKGROUND

To date, the traditional approach to intraspinal tumors has been open laminectomy or laminoplasty followed by microsurgical tumor resection. Recently, however, minimally invasive approaches have been attempted by some.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for primary intradural spinal tumors.

METHODS

Medical charts of 83 consecutive patients treated with MIS for intradural spinal tumors were reviewed. Patients were followed up during the study year, 2015, by either routine history/physical examination or by telephone consultation, with a focus on tumor status and surgery-related complications.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 53.7 yr and 52% were female. There were 49 schwannomas, 18 meningeomas, 10 ependymomas, 2 hemangioblastomas, 1 neurofibroma, 1 paraganglioma, 1 epidermoid cyst, and 1 hemangiopericytoma. The surgical mortality was 0%. In 87% of cases, gross total resection was achieved. The complication rate was 11%, including 2 cerebrospinal fluid leakages, 1 asymptomatic pseudomeningocele, 2 superficial surgical site infections, 1 sinus vein thrombosis, and 4 cases of neurological deterioration. There were no postoperative hematomas, and no cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Ninety-three percent of patients were ambulatory and able to work at the time of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study both demonstrates that it is feasible and safe to remove select, primary intradural spinal tumors using MIS, and augments the previous literature in favor of MIS for these tumors.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Removal of Cervical Foraminal Schwannoma via Interlaminar Approach: A Case Report

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Cervical foraminal schwannomas commonly originate from spinal nerves that pass through the intervertebral foramen of the cervical vertebrae. Because of the proximity of this type of tumor to the vertebral artery and spinal nerves, surgical management remains a major challenge. Conventional open spine surgery usually requires the removal of the articular process and is supplemented by a simultaneous posterolateral spine fusion surgery. To decrease the associated risks of surgical complications by further reducing invasiveness, percutaneous spinal endoscopy may be used for resection of foraminal spinal neoplasm.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 52-yr-old female who presented with neck pains with duration of 1 yr was admitted to our hospital. Physical examination revealed moderate rigidity in the neck and grade 5 muscle strength in both upper and lower limbs. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrated a left-sided lesion at the C3-C4 intervertebral foraminal area. Under C-arm fluoroscopy navigation and neuromonitoring, the endoscope was properly positioned on the same side of the tumor, and a small part of the left C3 inferior and C4 superior lamina were first removed by an endoscopic drill to enlarge the interlaminar space. Next, through an endoscopic working canal, the left intervertebral ligamentum flavum was removed to fully expose the tumor. The tumor mass was finally resected in a piecemeal approach. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete tumor resection.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report of a total removal of a cervical foraminal schwannoma with a percutaneous spinal endoscopic procedure.