[Our experience of resection of extramedullary spinal tumors using hemilaminectomy and microsurgical technique]

The paper contains results of surgical treatment of 52 patients with extramedullary spinal tumors. Resection of tumors was performed using hemilaminectomy and microsurgical technique. In all cases tumors were resected totally. Follow-up data are also presented (periods of follow-up ran to 6-10 years). Control examination was complemented by MRI and X-ray spondilograms. No signs of instability and other complications were found. With reference to our own experience and literature data we discuss the possibilities of radical resection of extramedullary tumors via hemilaminectomy. This allows to avoid postoperative vertebral instability. At the same time we emphasize that despite minimally traumatic approach and high effectiveness in removal of lateral and dorsolateral tumors, hemilaminectomy in certain degree limits possibilities of radical resection of tumors located someway ventrally.