Endoscope-assisted interlaminar removal of an ependymoma of the cauda equina

In oder to reduce surgical trauma to the lumbar spine during a multilevel laminectomy procedure we performed a multilevel, bilateral and interlaminar approach, with microsurgical and endoscopic techniques for removal of a large ependymoma of the lumbar spine in a 33-year-old female patient. Complete tumor removal has been achieved, while at the same time, the major elements that form the posterior spinal column could be preserved. The follow-up time is 4 years.