Microsurgical Tubular Resection of Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors With 3-Dimensional-Navigated Localization.

Overview

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of minimally invasive spine surgical (MISS) approaches have stimulated interest in adapting MISS principles for more complex pathology including intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. No study has characterized a repeatable approach integrating the MISS surgical technique and 3-dimensional intraoperative navigated localization for the treatment of IDEM tumors. OBJECTIVE: To describe a safe and reproducible technical guide for the navigated MISS technique for the treatment of benign intradural and extradural spinal tumors. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 20 patients who underwent navigated microsurgical tubular resection of intradural extramedullary tumors over a 5-year period. We review our approach to patient selection and report demographic and outcomes data for the cohort. RESULTS: Our experience demonstrates technical feasibility and safety with a 100% rate of gross total resection with no patients demonstrating recurrence during an average follow-up of 20.2 months and no instances of perioperative complications. We demonstrate favorable outcomes regarding blood loss, operative duration, and hospital length of stay. CONCLUSION: Navigated localization and microsurgical tubular resection of IDEM tumors is safe and effective. Adherence to MISS principles and thoughtful patient selection facilitate successful management of these patients.