Resection of an Intradural Intramedullary C7-T1 Tumor: Technical Nuances and Complication Management

Primary spinal cord tumors are relatively rare, comprising approximately 4%-16% of all tumors originating from the central nervous system. These tumors are anatomically separable into 2 broad categories: intradural intramedullary and intradural extramedullary. Intramedullary tumors are composed predominantly of gliomas (infiltrative astrocytoma) and ependymomas.^1-4 The primary treatment approach for these tumors is surgical resection, aiming to preserve neurologic function.^5-9 In Video 1, the authors showcase a step-by-step approach for microsurgical resection of a primary spinal ependymoma, with emphasis on microsurgical technique and utility of adjunct equipment, such as intraoperative ultrasound and neuromonitoring.^10,11 The patient consented to the procedure.