Radical resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors without cavitron ultrasonic aspirator or CO2 laser: a "two stage" technique.

ABSTRACT

A simple and efficient procedure called the "two stage" technique for total removal of intramedullary tumors is described. MRI, CUSA, and CO2 laser have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumors, allowing precise demonstration of the lesions and safe removal without exacerbating neurosurgical deficit. These useful and efficient apparatus are not only expensive, they are still not yet available in many neurosurgical centers throughout the world. Neurosurgeons deprived of these important tools can, however, approach or even equate the current clinical results. The "two stage" technique is not meant to substitute for CUSA, CO2 laser, and MRI.