Combined approach to "dumbbell" intrathoracic and intraspinal neurogenic tumors

The unexpected finding of an extension of a neurogenic tumor from the thorax through the spinal foramen into the neural canal complicates its removal. Serious neurological complications may result from a two-stage approach, whether done first through the thorax or neural canal. Vertebral tomography or computed tomographic scanning reveals enlargement of a spinal foramen in advance of operation. Myelography confirms the probable presence of an intraspinal component. Four patients have been operated on using an approach designed to allow wide posterolateral thoracotomy and concomitant laminectomy for single-stage removal of the entire tumor. In 3 patients the diagnosis was schwannoma and in 1, neurofibroma. All had good results.