Minimally Invasive Surgery for Intradural extramedullary Spinal Tumors: A Comprehensive Review with Illustrative Clinical Cases

Historically, these tumors have been resected using a traditional midline incision for posterior bilateral laminectomies or hemilaminectomies. Recently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques with expandable or nonexpendable tubular retractors have been explored for spinal tumor excision for the purposes of reducing blood loss, soft-tissue injury, and hospital stays. Compared to traditional open spine surgery, MIS techniques are generally performed through paramedian approaches, and they spare the midline ligaments and the contralateral paraspinal muscles with decreased disruption of ipsilateral paraspinal muscles. The resultant decreased in soft tissue void is believed to decrease bleeding, infection, and cerebrospinal fluid leak risks.