Examination of whether intercapsular resection for cervical schwannoma is a total tumor resection technique that...

Intercapsular resection for cervical schwannoma may represent a complete tumor-removal method, considering schwannoma origin and nerve anatomy. However, the conventional "total resection," which requires cutting the originating nerve at both tumor ends, persists, and intercapsular resection is not always considered a complete resection approach. Furthermore, the surgical technique has raised concerns about potential tumor recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tumors removed via intercapsular resection for cervical schwannomas were histopathologically confirmed to be completely excised.

The analysis included 10 cases of intercapsular resection conducted between November 2020 and July 2021. Excised tumors underwent histopathological evaluation using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, S-100 immunostaining, and Elastica van Gieson (EVG) special staining.

H&E staining identified a pink fibrous capsule in all cases. S-100 staining showed positive results within the tumor but negative results in the fibrous capsule, with no nerve cells detected in the outer capsule layer. EVG staining depicted the capsule in red, indicating a composition of fibrous connective tissue with collagen fibers.

These findings confirmed no nerve-cell exposure around the tumor, supporting complete excision. Accordingly, intercapsular resection appears to offer an effective surgical approach for cervical schwannomas-preserving nerve function while ensuring complete tumor removal.