title: Minimally invasive removal of an intradural cervical tumor : assessment of a combined split-spinous laminectomy and quadrant tube retractor system technique.
abstract: Conventional laminectomy is the most popular technique for the complete removal of intradural spinal tumors. In particular, the central portion intramedullary tumor and large intradural extramedullary tumor often require a total laminectomy for the midline myelotomy, sufficient decompression, and adequate visualization. However, this technique has the disadvantages of a wide incision, extensive periosteal muscle dissection, and bony structural injury. Recently, split-spinous laminectomy and tubular retractor systems were found to decrease postoperative muscle injuries, skin incision size and discomfort. The combined technique of split-spinous laminectomy, using a quadrant tube retractor system allows for an excellent exposure of the tumor with minimal trauma of the surrounding tissue. We propose that this technique offers possible advantages over the traditional open tumor removal of the intradural spinal cord tumors, which covers one or two cervical levels and requires a total laminectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Seok
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kwak
authors.forename: Kyoung-Tae
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dae-Chul
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Young-Baeg
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Cervical cord tumor; Quadrant tube retractor; Split-spinous laminectomy