Minimally invasive surgical treatment of extramedullary tumors at the level of craniovertebral junction: experience of the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center

Abstract

To describe own experience of treating patients with extramedullary tumors at the level of craniovertebral junction using minimally invasive surgical approaches. The study included 29 patients who underwent minimally invasive microsurgical resection of extramedullary tumors at the level of craniovertebral junction. We analyzed the main clinical and surgical parameters. Gross total resection was achieved in most patients with high degree of safety. Two patients required redo surgery due to CSF leakage and soft tissue cyst. Mean length of hospital-stay was 7 days. VAS score of pain syndrome at discharge was 2 points and 0 points after 3 months. No significant differences in neurophysiological monitoring indicators were observed (p=0.76). Minimally invasive posterior approaches to extramedullary tumors at the level of craniovertebral junction can significantly reduce surgical trauma with equal extent of resection.