Haemoclip repair technique: A preliminary evaluation of a safe and practical method for dura mater closure in haemilaminectomy.

PURPOSE: In the surgical management of spinal tumours, haemilaminectomy is frequently the preferred approach due to its minimal invasive nature and the ability to preserve stability. However, the repair of the dura mater defect is technically very difficult and a challenging problem for neurosurgeons because of the high incidence of complications related to postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. This study presents a novel haemoclip-assisted technique that has been developed for the purpose of providing safe and rapid dura repair in spinal tumour surgery involving haemilaminectomy.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In 12 patients who underwent haemilaminectomy for spinal intradural extramedullary tumours between 2023 and 2024, dura mater defects were repaired with haemoclips. The technique is to present the results of cases in which the dura edges were closed with non-penetrating haemoclips. The results were evaluated in terms of dura repair time, postoperative complications and presence of CSF leakage.

RESULTS

The mean dural repair time was found to be significantly shorter when compared to conventional suture methods. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and related complications were not observed in any patient. The technique significantly facilitated surgical practice, especially in the haemilaminectomy window, which provides a limited field of view. Furthermore, the absence of artefacts in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appears to be a significant additional criterion in patient follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Haemoclip-assisted dura repair is a safe, fast and practical alternative for spinal tumour surgery with haemilaminectomy. The technique has the potential to reduce complication rates by facilitating dura repair.