Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Full Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach for Paracentral L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Published on: April 14, 2023
Extensive spinal epidural abscess evacuated with unilateral interlaminar approach (with operative video):
George A Crabill1, Jack A Leoni1, Kaleb Derouen1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Background:
The authors present the case of a patient with an extensive lumbosacral spinal epidural abscess (SEA) that was successfully evacuated in its entirety with a unilateral interlaminar approach. This is an alternative to wide bony decompression at multiple segments. The surgical approach described decompresses the neural elements while maintaining spinal integrity.
Observations:
Partial removal of the ligamentum flavum can provide an interlaminar corridor that is sufficient to evacuate extensive SEAs in select patients.
Lessons:
This case illustrates a surgical approach that successfully evacuates extensive lumbosacral SEA while respecting spinal integrity. https://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/CASE25646.
