Long-segment intraspinal schwannomas resection: What is the minimum number of laminectomy levels required?

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

In canonical knowledge, long-segment intraspinal schwannomas (SCHs) require laminectomies at all involved levels for complete exposure. To evaluate a minimally invasive, limited-exposure strategy for gross total resection (GTR) of multi-level intraspinal SCHs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients with intraspinal SCHs involving ≥ 3 vertebral segments who underwent laminectomy confined to critical vertebrae, achieving gross total resection without full exposure of all involved levels. The surgical approach involved focused laminectomy targeting critical vertebrae, intracapsular decompression, and meticulous microsurgical dissection. Follow-up included clinical assessments and MRI evaluations at 3 months and 1-year post-surgery.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 4 females and 7 males, with a median age of 50 years. Lesions were predominantly located in the cervical spine. Ten cases exhibited cystic lesions, while one presented a fully solid tumor. The average surgical time was 119 ± 15.6 minutes. Laminectomy was performed within 2 levels (6 cases) or 1 level (5 cases). All patients achieved complete symptom resolution at discharge, with no perioperative complications. During a mean follow-up of 23.5 ± 13.0 months, no cases of postoperative spinal instability or tumor recurrence were identified.

CONCLUSION

For long-segment intraspinal SCHs, particularly cystic lesions, minimizing the number of laminectomy levels to achieve GTR is technically feasible and clinically safe.