ABSTRACT
Meningiomas are one of the most common intradural extramedullary tumors.1 Symptoms often arise from cord compression, with gross total resection leading to the most optimal patient outcomes.2,3 Utilization of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring can increase patient safety through real-time assessment of neural structures and reduce postoperative neurologic complications.4 In this video, we describe the operative techniques for the resection of a meningioma located at the cervico-thoracic junction. A 43-year-old female patient presented with 6 months of bilateral leg numbness and gait disturbances. MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a cervical thoracic ventral meningioma causing severe cord compression from the bottom of the C6 lamina to the top of the T1 lamina. Surgical resection with intraoperative neuromonitoring with somatosensory-evoked potentials, motor-evoked potentials, and free-running electromyography was recommended. A partial C6-T1 laminectomy was routinely performed, and the dura was opened using a paramedian approach to allow for maximal tumor visualization. The tumor was carefully dissected and debulked, achieving gross total resection. Postoperatively, the patient experienced improvements in preoperative symptoms with no perioperative complications, and the final pathology confirmed the intradural lesion was a meningioma. This video illustrates the surgical technique and management of a spinal meningioma at the cervico-thoracic junction. Patient consent was obtained for their participation in this surgical video.
ABSTRACT
Background: Myxopapillary ependymomas and schwannomas represent the most common tumors of the conus medullaris and cauda equina. Here, we present the surgical resection of a 64-year-old male with a lumbar intradural tumor. Case Description: A 64-year-old male presented with several months of the lower extremity weakness, pain, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large L3-5 intradural lesion, and surgical resection using intraoperative neuromonitoring with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), free-running electromygraphy (EMGs), and direct sphincter monitoring was recommended. After an L2-S1 laminectomy was performed, intraoperative ultrasound was used to confirm the cranial and caudal extent of the tumor. The dural was opened using a midline approach, and the tumor was quickly visualized. Through careful dissection, the tumor was debulked and gross total resection was ultimately achieved through a piecemeal resection. Hemostasis was frequently required throughout the case, as the tumor was highly vascular. Postoperatively, the patient was at his neurologic baseline and was discharged to rehab on postoperative day 4. The final pathology revealed the intradural lesion was a paraganglioma. Conclusion: Early intervention and gross total resection of spinal intradural tumors are associated with optimal patient outcomes. Additional adjuncts, such as ultrasound, are beneficial and can help achieve gross total tumor resection.
