Microsurgical resection of neurenteric cysts situated ventral to spinal cord and brain stem

Abstract

Objective To discuss the clinical diagnosis and operative approach to neurenteric cycsts (NC) situated ventral to spinal cord and brain stem. Materials From January 2005 to Febuary 2007 the clinical data of 8 patients(5 male and 3 female) with NC situtated ventral to brain stem and spinal cord were reviewed. 4 tumors located in brain stem and upper cervical spinal cord received operation through extremely lateral transcondlar approach, 3 tumors in cervical segment through cervical posterior approach and 1 tumor in thoracic segment through thoracic lateral - anterior approach. Results Total resection of NC was achieved in 7 patients and subtotal resection in 1 patient. All patients recovered well postoperatively. The followed - up MRI imaging revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusions Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital benign cysts of endodermal origin and usually locate ventral to brain stem and spinal cord.The extreme lateral transcondlar approach or thoracic lateral - anterior approach could provide an effective exposure and get satisfied therapy outcome for NC located ventral to brain stem and spinal cord. Key words: Neurenteric cycst; Microsurgry; Spinal canal