Minimally invasive microsurgical resection of primary, intradural spinal tumours using a tubular retraction system

Study design. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Background. Primary, intradural spinal tumours have traditionally been microsurgically resected following macrosurgical laminectomy or laminoplasty. We hypothesize that approach-related morbidity can be reduced with less-invasive approaches; we have therefore implemented a minimally invasive approach, with the assistance of a tubular retraction system, for microsurgical resection of primary intradural spinal tumours. Methods. From January 2007 to December 2009, 54 patients underwent surgery for a spinal intradural tumour. Of these, nine patients who underwent minimally invasive posterior unilateral transmuscular surgery using a tubular retraction system were included in this study. Resection grade and surgery-related complications were retrospectively reviewed. Results. All tumours were totally resected (verified by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging). There were no post-operative complications. Eight of the nine patients were mobilized on the day of surgery or on post-operative day 1. One patient was mobilized on post-operative day 2. Conclusions. Selected primary, intradural spinal tumours can be safely and successfully resected using a minimally invasive posterior unilateral transmuscular approach with the assistance of a tubular retraction system.