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Published on: February 24, 2023
Minimally Invasive Removal of Extra- and Intradural Spinal Tumors Using Full Endoscopic Visualization
Joel Caballero-García1, Yurledys Jhohana Linares-Benavides1, Ueza Laurinelis Salazar Leitão1
169286National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, Havana, Cuba.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in patients with spinal extradural and intradural-extramedullary tumors.
Methods:
This was a study of 15 consecutive patients with spinal extradural or intradural-extramedullary tumors up to 2 levels treated by minimal invasive surgery using a full endoscopic visualization and Caspar's retraction system (for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar tumors) over a 4-year period between January 2015 to April 2019 at a tertiary center.
Results:
A gross total remove was achieved in all patients (100%), determined by postoperative contrast computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging. There was no postoperative spinal instability. All patients had equal or better neurologic functions after surgery at follow-up. The average preoperative Nurick's grade mean was 1.9 and the postoperative was 1.1. The average preoperative McCormick's grade mean was 2.9 versus 1.3 in the postoperative period.
Conclusions:
Selective extradural or intradural-extramedullary tumors well localized and up to 2 levels can be safely and effectively treated by minimally invasive surgery using a full endoscopic visualization and the Caspar's retractor. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend this approach over the classical or other microsurgical approach described.
