Tubular minimally invasive resection of McCormick type II paraspinal schwannoma: preliminary experience

Complete removal of paraspinal schwannomas is generally required for full patient recovery. However, traditional open approaches to surgery are often extensive and may lead to more postoperative complications. Herein, we present our preliminary experience with tubular minimally invasive resection of McCormick type II paraspinal schwannomas and describe the technique by specifically reviewing two patient cases.

Type of study: Retrospective: Level of evidence: Level III: A total of 15 patients (six men; nine women; median age, 45 years) who underwent minimally invasive resection of McCormick type II paraspinal schwannomas were retrospectively analysed. Preoperative characteristics, including age, location of tumour, Visual Analog Scale score, Modified McCormick Scale score, and intraoperative findings and complications were analysed. Furthermore, postoperative outcomes using imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and thin-slice computed tomography, and postoperative neural status using the Modified McCormick and Visual Analog Scales were also assessed.

The mean operation time was 134.72 ± 34.21 min. The estimated mean blood loss and mean hospital stay were 25.33 ± 17.27 ml and 7.67 ± 1.88 days, respectively. Regarding complications, one of the patients had a local wound infection, which improved after antibiotic treatment. The total resection in all cases was verified using postoperative MRI.

The tubular minimally invasive approach is a feasible technique for the total resection of McCormick type II paraspinal schwannomas. Using this technique, surgeons can resect paraspinal schwannomas while maintaining spinal stability.