title: Resection of cervical ependymoma.
abstract: Intramedullary ependymomas are surgically curable tumors. However, their surgical resection poses several challenges. In this intraoperative video we illustrate the main steps for the surgical resection of a cervical intramedullary ependymoma. These critical steps include: adequate exposure of the entire length of the tumor; use of the intraoperative ultrasound; identification of the posterior median sulcus and separation of the posterior columns; Identification of the plane between the spinal cord and the tumor; mobilization and debulking of the tumor and disconnection of the vascular supply (usually from small anterior spinal artery branches). Following these basic steps a complete resection can be safely achieved in many cases. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/QMYXC_F4O4U.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota;
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lanzino
authors.forename: Saul F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Morales-Valero
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Krauss
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campero
authors.forename: W Richard
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D066193:Cervical Cord / Q000601:surgery*; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: ependymoma; intraoperative video; spinal cord neoplasms; surgical procedure