Resection of a retropharyngeal craniovertebral junction chordoma through a posterior cervical approach.
METHODS
This illustrative case report is designed to provide technical data regarding the use of a posterior approach to resect a retropharyngeal chordoma involving the craniovertebral junction.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this report is to emphasize the utility of the posterior approach when treating anterior tumors of the craniovertebral junction.


BACKGROUND
Traditionally, a transoral transpharyngeal or extended anterior approach was used to resect anterior tumors of the craniovertebral junction. These approaches have several limitations unique to these exposures, limitations not applicable to a posterior midline cervical approach.


METHODS
A case report is provided that illustrates the use of a posterior cervical approach used to resect a retropharyngeal craniovertebral junction chordoma.


RESULTS
Gross total resection of a retropharyngeal chordoma was achieved using a posterior cervical approach. Although local tumor recurrence did occur, this was resected and adjuvant radiotherapy prescribed. This resulted in an ongoing 4-year recurrence free survival.


CONCLUSIONS
The posterior cervical midline exposure could be used to dissect and remove anterior retropharyngeal tumors, with minimal morbidity.
McLoughlin
Gregory S
GS
Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. greg.mcloughlin@shaw.ca
Sciubba
Daniel M
DM
Suk
Ian
I
Bydon
Ali
A
Witham
Timothy
T
Wolinsky
Jean-Paul
JP
Gokaslan
Ziya L
ZL
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002817:Chordoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome