Dural reconstruction following resection of ventral and lateral spinal cord meningiomas: Fenestrated Durotomy with Oversized Graft technique.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas, although benign, often require complete resection due to their tendency for recurrence. However, dural reconstruction poses significant challenges, especially in the case of ventral meningiomas. While some reports have highlighted the usefulness of dural reconstruction using an artificial dura mater, no studies have yet confirmed dural canal enlargement through MRI post-surgically. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Fenestrated Durotomy with Oversized Graft (FDOG) technique in cases of meningiomas and other intradural extramedullary tumors and evaluated dural canal dilation through MRI after using an artificial dura mater. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 8 patients who underwent combined resection of intradural extramedullary tumors and dural repair using the FDOG technique. An artificial dura mater larger than that resected was inserted into the dural defect resulting from complete tumor resection on the ventral or lateral side of the spinal cord. The new dura mater was secured with a single dorsal suture. The dural incision was closed using watertight sutures following standard procedure. Measurement of the extent of dural canal enlargement was achieved via pre- and postoperative MRI scans. RESULTS: None of the patients required additional treatments or lumbar drainage. All achieved independent ambulation without complications, and imaging tests indicated satisfactory dural expansion without signs of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method for dural repair in cases involving large dural defects on the ventral or lateral side of the spinal cord was shown to be a straightforward and effective approach with minimal postoperative complications.