The outcomes of using high oxygen concentration in pediatric patients.

Oxygen reserve index, available as part of Masimo Rainbow SET pulse oximetry, is a noninvasive and continuous variable intended to provide insight into a patient's oxygen status in the moderate hyperoxic range (PaO2 > 100 and ≤ 200 mm Hg), defined as a patient's oxygen "reserve". When used in conjunction with pulse oximetry, ORi extends the knowledge on a patient's oxygen status providing clinically important information helping to prevent hyperoxemia and hypoxemia. There are limited data on patients undergoing craniosynostosis surgery. Our primary goal was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of inspiratory oxygen (FiO2) on patient oxygenation status by monitoring ORi. Thirty patients scheduled for craniosynostosis were included in this observational cohort study. Patients were randomized into two equal groups: Group 1 received a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.8 and group 2 received a FiO2 of 0.6 during induction of anaesthesia. In addition to standard haemodynamic variables with ORi were recorded at baseline 1 min, 5 min, 60 min, and 120 min after intubation. Postoperative complications, length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital were recorded. In total, 14 patients were evaluated in each group. Gender, age, BMI, ASA scores were similar between groups (p > 0.05). In Group 1, ORi values were significantly higher when compared to group 2 at baseline (0.86 ± 0.21 vs 0.45 ± 0.32, p = 0.001), one minute (0.61 ± 0.24 vs 0.27 ± 0.21, p = 0.001), and 5 min (0.34 ± 0.31 vs 0.10 ± 0.13, p = 0.033). High inspired oxygen concentration during induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients is associated with higher levels of ORi. Therefore, ORi may provide the means to safely reduce the inspired oxygen fraction during inhalational induction in paediatric patients.

The loneliness of a long-distance runner. A ten-year survey of a patient diagnosed with Gorham-Stout syndrome at the occipitocervical junction.

This case study presents a 47-year-old male who was diagnosed with Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) 10 years ago in the occipitocervical junction. The pathology caused the resorption of the suboccipital bone, clivus, foramen magnum, and C1-C3 laminae. After his first fusion attempt in 2010 using occipital plate-cervical lateral mass screws, he needed many revision surgeries either for the progression of the pathology or for instrumentation failure and wound healing problems. Eventually, a new occipital plate and cervical pedicle screws were applied to obtain the exact solution. The involvement of the craniovertebral junction in GSS may be challenging for spinal surgeons due to the inadequate bone reserve for stabilization. As lateral mass screws cannot provide a strong pull-out force, cervical pedicular screws may be used as the first choice for unstable cervical GSS cases.

Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery: a review of the literature for over half a century with a demonstrative case and a proposed novel algorithm.

PURPOSE: To review relevant data for the management of esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery. METHODS: A case of delayed esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery has been presented and the relevant literature between 1958 and 2014 was reviewed. A total of 57 papers regarding esophageal perforation following anterior cervical surgery were found and utilized in this review. RESULTS: The treatment options for esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery were discussed and a novel management algorithm was proposed. CONCLUSION: Following anterior cervical surgery, patients should be closely followed up in the postoperative period for risk of esophageal perforation. Development of symptoms like dysphagia, pneumonia, fever, odynophagia, hoarseness, weight loss, and breathing difficulty in patients with a history of previous anterior cervical surgery should alert us for a possible esophageal injury. Review of the literature revealed that conservative treatment is advocated for early and small esophageal perforations. Surgical treatment may be considered for large esophageal defects.

Radiologic Examination of High Riding Vertebral Artery and Analysis of Secure Areas.

OBJECTIVE: To radiologically examine the pedicle, lamina, and vertebral artery foraminal anatomies at the C2 vertebra for pedicular and laminar screw instrumentation at the axis in a Turkish population. METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, we evaluated 100 patients who underwent cervical computed tomography (CT) for various reasons (excluding cervical pathologies) at Marmara University Hospital. The C2 pedicles were measured on CT images using measurement tools. In addition, axial computed tomography was performed at 0.1 mm intervals. Bilateral measurements were performed for each case. RESULTS: The median right and left pedicle axial diameters were 5.01 and 5.09 mm, respectively for the male patients and 4.31 and 4.38 mm for the female patients, showing a statistically significant difference between the sexes (P < 0.01). Of the patients, 15% had narrow pedicles. The pedicle sagittal diameters were smaller than 5 mm in 30% of the computed tomographic series. The internal height was <2 mm in 4% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest significant individual and sex-related differences. Vertebral artery groove anomalies are commonly observed. Before performing a posterior craniocervical instrumentation surgery, a computed tomography (CT) examination is beneficial because high-riding vertebral arteries must be kept in mind in determining the appropriate screw diameter and screw trajectory.

Different C2 screw placement techniques with mobilization of the vertebral artery in high-riding vertebral artery cases: Cadaver dissection.

Objective: In neurosurgery, posterior approaches intended at the craniovertebral junction are frequently used. The most popular procedures for treating upper cervical instability are C1 lateral mass, C2 pedicle, and C1-C2 transarticular screw stabilization. Due to their proximity to neural structures and the presence of the high-riding vertebral artery (VA), these techniques are complicated. The risk of VA damage can be decreased by mobilizing the VA. Using cadaveric specimens in this study was aimed to demonstrate C2 pedicle and C1-C2 transarticular screw placement with VA mobilization and a novel C2 inferior corpus screw placement technique. Methods: In this study, twelve adult cadaveric specimens and two adult dry cadaveric C2 bones were used with the permission and decision of the University Research Ethics Committee. Colored silicone was injected into the arteries and veins of these twelve cadaveric specimens. Then, muscle dissection was performed stepwise, and the C2 vertebrae of the cadavers were revealed with a surgical microscope. Each specimen and entire stages of the dissections were recorded photographically. After cadaver dissections, screw placement was performed with three different techniques. Finally, radiological imaging was done with fluoroscopy. Results: After dissection, the lateral mass of the C2 vertebra was observed, and lateral to it, the transverse process and foramen were detected with the help of a hook. Next, the posterior wall of the VA groove was removed using a 1 mm thin plate Kerrison rongeur until the VA loop could partially be observed the VA. This enables us to find the top of the loop of the VA and mobilize it inferiorly using a dissector. Following this step, the C1-2 transarticular, C2 pedicle, and the novel C2 inferior corpus screw placement can be performed safely by directly visualizing the artery. Conclusions: Due to the nearby neurologic and vascular structures, placing the C2 pedicle and C1-2 transarticular screw is a challenging procedure, especially in high-riding VA cases. However, it is possible to place the C2 pedicle, C1-2 transarticular, and novel C2 inferior corpus screw after the mobilization of the VA. This study aimed to show all of them together on a cadaver for the first time, to understand the anatomy of the C2 vertebra, and to use screw placement techniques to minimize the risk of complications.

Neuroprotective effects of propofol, thiopental, etomidate, and midazolam in fetal rat brain in ischemia-reperfusion model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of propofol, thiopental, etomidate, and midazolam as anesthetic drugs in fetal rat brain in the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. METHODS: Pregnant rats of day 19 were randomly allocated into eight groups. Fetal brain ischemia was induced by clamping the utero-ovarian artery bilaterally for 30 min and reperfusion was achieved by removing the clamps for 60 min. In the control group, fetal rat brains were obtained immediately after laparotomy. In the sham group, fetal rat brains were obtained 90 min after laparotomy. In the IR group, IR procedure was performed. No treatment was given in the IR group. One milliliter intralipid solution, 40 mg/kg propofol, 3 mg/kg thiopental, 0.1 mg/kg etomidate, and 3 mg/kg midazolam was administered intraperitoneally in the vehicle group, propofol group, thiopental group, etomidate group, and midazolam group, respectively, 20 min before IR procedure. At the end of the reperfusion period, the whole brains of the fetal rats were removed for evaluation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and for examination by electron microscopy. RESULTS: According to lipid peroxidation data, all the anesthetic drugs provide neuroprotection; however, ultrastructural findings and mitochondrial scoring confirms that only propofol and midazolam provides a strong neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol and midazolam may be used to protect fetal brain in case of acute fetal distress and hypoxic injury as a first choice anesthetic drug in cesarean delivery.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of pre-ischemic hyperbaric oxygen and post-ischemic aminoguanidine in experimental cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of pre-ischemic hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and post-ischemic aminoguanidine (AG) on the infarct volume in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. METHODS: This study was approved by the Animal Experiments Ethics Committee of Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey and carried out from March 2006 to August 2006. A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats (200-320 g) were divided into 4 groups: control (K) group (n = 7); HBO group (n = 7); HBO + AG group (n = 7); and the AG group (n = 7). All rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by subtemporal craniectomy, and permanent ischemia was created. A 2.8 atmospheric pressure of HBO was first applied to the HBO and HBO + AG groups for 45 minutes, and occlusion was created after 2 hours. In the HBO + AG group, intraperitoneal administration of AG hemisulfate (100 mg/kg) was started 6 hours after MCAO, and was continued twice a day for 3 days. RESULTS: The rate of infarction was found to be 22.2+/-3.1% in the control group, 16.1+/-2.7% in the HBO group, 15.2+/-1.9% in the HBO+AG group, and 14.4+/-3.3% in the AG groups. The rate of infarctions (therefore the volume of infarct) in the HBO, HBO + AG, and AG groups were found to be significantly decreased compared with the control group (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In permanent MCAO-induced ischemia in rats, HBO and AG were observed to have a lowering effect on the infarct volume, but no additive effect was observed. This situation can be explained by different mechanisms of action.

Is Standalone Posterior Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation Sufficient to Correct Cervical Postlaminectomy Kyphosis?

AIM: To evaluate the clinical processes of patients with cervical postlaminectomy kyphosis (PLK) who underwent standalone posterior pedicle screw fixation surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of 21 patients with cervical PLK treated using the pedicle screw method between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively examined. Patient data included demographic information and indications for surgery. Furthermore, the following criteria were calculated for each patient: cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), C2-7 cervical lordosis (CL) parameters, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI) score and visual analogue scale score, and these were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively statistically. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients with PLK were evaluated. In terms of radiographic parameters, postoperative cSVA was significantly lower than the preoperative cSVA, and postoperative CL was significantly higher than the preoperative CL (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Postoperative mJOA scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001). Both postoperative NDI and VAS scores were significantly lower than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Pedicle screw fixation was found to be an effective treatment for cervical PLK. Although this technique is not preferred by many spine surgeons because of its high complication rate, it has a positive effect on the quality of life scores and provides optimal correction.

Is C1-C2 Reduction and Fixation A Good Choice in the Treatment of Recurrent Chiari-Like Symptoms With Syringomyelia?

BACKGROUND: Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) is the first-choice treatment for Chiari malformation (CM). However, it has been suggested that cerebellar herniation and syringomyelia occur as a natural protective event to prevent neural damage caused by atlantoaxial instability. It is argued that treating instability is the main treatment. Positive results of atlantoaxial fusion have been reported in the literature, but there are no studies including the results of atlantoaxial fusion as the second treatment in patients in whom classical decompression failed. In our study, we report the results of these patients to help in the selection of treatment and we present our treatment algorithm for CM with syringomyelia. METHODS: Thirteen patients who had undergone FMD and duraplasty due to CM and syringomyelia in our clinics and who had recovered clinically and radiologically but had recurrent complaints during long-term follow-up were evaluated. C1-C2 distraction and fusion were performed. We evaluated these patients radiologically and clinically. RESULTS: The mean age of the 13 patients was found to be 32.4 years. Male to female ratio was 6:7. The complaints recurred after an average of 2.1 years. Also, 3 cases were presented with their clinical characteristics and radiologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: FMD may fail even with duraplasty, and treatment of CM in recurrent cases is still controversial. Recently, atlantoaxial instability has been reported to be the main pathology of CM, and the cure for pathology is to treat instability. Recurrent CMs with syringomyelia in which FMD has failed should be treated by atlantoaxial fixation.

Airplane Landing Accident: How Safe Is Use of Passenger Lap Seat Belts in Aircrafts?

BACKGROUND: Seat belts are considered the reason for seat belt syndrome, which mainly occurs during rapid deceleration in motor vehicle accidents. Seat belt syndrome is characterized by contusion of the front torso, intrathoracic or intraabdominal organ injuries, and spinal thoracic or lumbar chance fractures. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case study presents a 21-year-old female who was injured by a lap-type seat belt and diagnosed with seat belt syndrome after an airplane landing accident. She underwent surgery for lumbar chance fracture and abdominal injury. We discussed the possible harmful effects of lap seat belts in passenger seats on airplanes. CONCLUSIONS: While an airplane is in a flying position, a lap seat belt functions to protect the passenger from any turbulence. However, during the landing or take-off phase, it may not be enough to fully protect the passenger, especially during sudden deceleration accidents, which cause seat belt injuries and head traumas. Therefore the unique design of a double functional passenger seat belt harness, along with a 3- or 4-point buckle protruding from the shoulder, can serve as a more favorable protective measure in limiting the severity of injury a passenger receives. After the plane has taken off, the diagonal seat belt can then be unlocked, leaving the lap seat belt to remain firmly in place and secured.

Percutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous spinal cord stimulation (PSCS) in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) in an academic tertiary care center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hospital records of patients with FBSS who had undergone PSCS were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 19 patients with FBSS matched the search criteria, and among them, 16 were included in the study, in whom permanent implantable pulse generators (IPGs) were implanted. Demographic, clinical and surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve (75%) women and 4 (25%) men with a median age of 50 years (range, 35-80 years) were analysed. The average number of surgeries before PSCS was 1.6 ± 1.2 (range, 1-4). Pain was localised in the back and leg in 81.25% of the patients. The mean duration of symptoms was 6.3 ± 3.1 years (range, 2-10 years). The mean length of trial period was 16.3 ± 6.8 days (range, 7?29 days). In this study, the permanent implantation rate was 84.2% (16/19). The mean follow-up time was 18.3 ± 3.9 months (range, 14-26 months). Postoperative back/leg numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score was significantly lower than preoperative back/ leg NPRS score (p < 0.001). The postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score was significantly lower than the preoperative ODI score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PSCS is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with FBSS. In this study, the high rate of improvement in the outcome scores may be attributed to the small sample size and early PSCS implantation.

Transsphenoidal approaches to the pituitary: a progression in experience in a single centre.

BACKGROUND: Evolving of a single centre by means of different transsphenoidal approaches during the survey of methodological advances in pituitary surgery is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas underwent transphenoidal pituitary operations at Gulhane Military Medical Academy from January 1996 to October 2007. Retrospective chart-based analysis of the surgical methods of transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma operations were done. Surgical methods were described. Outcomes and complications were presented. Attention is focused on the methodology of different surgical techniques of pituitary surgery. FINDINGS: During the evaluation period, 12 Sublabial approaches (1996-1998), 13 transseptal transsphenoidal approaches (1999-2000), 15 endonasal transsphenoidal approaches (2000-2004), 25 endoscopy assisted endonasal approaches (2002-2006) and 28 pure endoscopic endonasal approaches (2006-2007) were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Technologic advancements in endoscopy and gaining experience in pituitary surgery drives neurosurgeons toward less invasive approaches.

Open-door Laminoplasty with Preservation of Muscle Attachments of C2 and C7 for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Retrospective Study.

AIM: Some restriction and complications, such as progression of kyphosis, incidence of axial neck pain and decrease of postoperative cervical range of motion are concern. We designed this retrospective clinical study to evaluate the effect of laminoplasty by preserving the muscle attachments of C2 and C7 spinous processes on range of motion (ROM), axial neck pain and cervical lordosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven cases with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent open-door laminoplasty with the protection of muscle attachments to the C2 and C7 spinous process and laminae between 2007 and 2013. At the end of the followup, cases were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores, recovery rate, ROM, lordosis angle and visual analogue scale (VAS). Also, patients were divided into two groups and evaluated according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, with or without T2 signal change. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66 years. The mean follow-up duration was 25 months. The postoperative mJOA scores were significantly higher than the preoperative mJOA scores (p < 0.001). The recovery rate was 57.4%. Although the postoperative VAS score was higher than the preoperative VAS score and the mean postoperative ROM was lower than the preoperative ROM there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS score and ROM (p > 0.05). The postoperative lordosis angle was significantly lower than the preoperative lordosis angle (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding the postoperative lordosis angle, ROM and mJOA scores with or without T2 signal change on MRI. CONCLUSION: Protection of the anatomic structures around the cervical spine such as the muscles and ligaments provides us better results regarding ROM and cervical axial pain.

Comparative evaluation of the electrophysiological, functional and ultrastructural effects of alpha lipoic acid and cyanocobalamin administration in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) are known to promote functional and morphological recovery after peripheral nerve injury. OBJECTIVE: To compare the regenerative and neuroprotective effects of vitamin B12 and ALA treatment after sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: A total of 40 rats were randomly assigned to control (sciatic nerve exposure without injury or anastomosis), sham (sciatic nerve injury and epineural anastomosis were performed but no treatment was administered), PS (isotonic saline was administered for 12 weeks after surgery), ALA (2 mg/kg ALA was administered for 12 weeks after surgery), and vitamin B12 groups (2 mg/kg cyanocobalamin was administered for 12 weeks after surgery). Functional recovery was determined by footprint analysis, in vivo neurophysiology, and ex vivo histopathological examination. RESULTS: ALA treatment produced significant improvements in sciatic functional index values and non-significant improvements on electroneuromyography compared to vitamin B12 treatment. Upon histopathological examination, the regenerative effects of ALA were relevant to axonal structural recovery whereas vitamin B12 produced greater improvements in edema and myelination. CONCLUSIONS: While both vitamin B12 and ALA produced improvements after sciatic nerve injury, ALA was more functionally effective. The unique ultrastructural effects of vitamin B12 and ALA treatment should be considered in future studies.

The Use of Neuronavigation and Intraoperative Imaging in Spinal Stabilization Surgery.

AIM: Misplacement of pedicle screw is the serious complication of spinal surgeries. Intraoperative imaging techniques and navigation systems are currently in use for the prevention of this complication. The aim of this study was to document the results of our experience with the navigation and intraoperative imaging technique and to share our experience with our colleagues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2014, one hundred and two patients underwent instrumented spinal surgery while using intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) and a navigation system. All patients had a CT scan performed no more than three days postoperatively to confirm adequate placement of the screws. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was assessed by postoperative CT scan. Pedicle violations were graded according to an established classification system. RESULTS: In the 36-month period, a total of 610 screws in 102 patients were evaluated. Stabilization surgery was performed in the lumbosacral region in 51 (50%) patients, lumbar region in 35 (34.31%) patients, cervical region in 5 (4.9%) patients, thoracolumbar region in 7 (6.86%) patients and thoracic region in 4 (3.92%) patients. Of the 610 screws, 396 (64.91%) were placed in lumbar, 66 (10.81%) in thoracic, 106 (17.37%) in sacral and 42 (6.8%) in cervical vertebrae. Of the 610 screws, 599 screws (98.18%) were placed without a breach. Grade 1 breaches occurred in 8 screws (1.31%), Grade 2 breaches occurred in 2 screws (0.32%), and Grade 3 breaches in 1 screw (0.16%). No dural defect or neurological deficit occurred after the surgeries. CONCLUSION: The use of an iCT scan associated with a navigation system increases the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. This system protects the surgical team from fluoroscopic radiation exposure and the patient from the complications of screw misplacement and repeated surgeries.

Neuroprotective effect of magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone on intrauterine ischemia in the fetal rat brain: ultrastructural evaluation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone on oxidative damage in intrauterine ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 19-day pregnant rats were divided into five groups. Fetal brain ischemia was achieved in the ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) group by bilaterally closing the utero-ovarian artery with aneurysm clips for 30 min and subsequently removing the aneurysm clips for 60 min for reperfusion. Mg (600 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (0.25 mg/kg) were administered 20 min before the I/R insult. The lipid peroxidation in the brain tissue was determined by the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The mitochondrial score was calculated after an evaluation with electron microscopy. RESULTS: Both the electron microscope and TBARS data showed a significant difference between the control and I/R groups. The Mg and dexamethasone treatment groups exhibited significantly lower TBARS values compared to the IR group. Similarly, the mitochondrial scores in the Mg and dexamethasone treatment groups were significantly lower than those in the I/R group. CONCLUSION: Result showed that magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone prevent lipid peroxidation and reduce mitochondrial injury thus suggests neuroprotective effects in fetal rat brain in intrauterine ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Management of Thoracal and Lumbar Schwannomas Using a Unilateral Approach without Instability: An Analysis of 15 Cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to determine and discuss the surgical planning of patients who underwent operations following diagnoses of thoracal and lumbar spinal schwannomas. We also aimed to discuss the application of unilateral hemilaminectomy for the microsurgery of schwannomas. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Schwannomas are located in different regions and sites. These differences require several surgical approaches. Unilateral laminectomy without stabilization of the spine provides a more minimally invasive removal of the tumor. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 15 patients with spinal schwannomas were evaluated with regards to age, sex, onset history, neurological findings, tumor locations, McCormick scale, surgical procedure, and operational results. The lateral approach provides exposure of intradural structures and posterior paraspinal regions. Extensions of tumors cause problem for the surgeon in terms of approach, resectability of the tumor, and stability of the spine. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases, and none of the patients necessary required a fusion procedure. RESULTS: Five patients were males and 10 were females. The age interval was 29-65 years. The tumor was located in the lumbar region in 9 patients, in the thoracic region in 2 patients, and in the thoracolumbar junction in 4 patients. The intradural lesions were removed by laminectomy and the extradural lesions were resected with hemilaminectomy. The paramedian route was used to explore the extraspinal part of the tumor. Costotransversectomy was for the thoracic region. Subtotal resection was performed in 1 patient. Patient symptoms recovered gradually in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of giant schwannomas is challenging and usually requires a different approach. We describe the complete resection of complex dumbbell or paraspinal schwannomas of the thoracic and lumbar spine by unilateral hemilaminectomy.