Minimally invasive surgery of the spinal cord hemangioblastoma

Abstract

To clarify and discuss the diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery of spinal cord hemangioblastoma. The clinical data of 16 patients with spinal cord hemangioblastoma who were operated on between 1992 and 2001 were analyzed retrospectively with a review of the literature. Twelve patients were subjected to MRI examination, nine to spinal cord angiography, and six to preoperative embolization. Thirteen patients underwent complete excision, and three underwent partial excision due to massive bleeding and anterior location of the tumor in spinal cord. Eleven patients showed improvement of their symptoms, four no change at all, and tumor recurrence was seen in one patient with aggravation. MRI and spinal angiography are essential for preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning. Early diagnosis and microsurgical resection greatly preserve the neurological function of the patients. Preoperative embolization sometimes is helpful in surgery.