Spinal cord tractography and neuromonitoring-based surgical strategy for intramedullary ependymoma.

Abstract

Because the spinal cord contains a rich concentration of longitudinal and transversal fibers in a very small area, intramedullary surgery could result in a high likelihood of morbidity. In this video, the authors demonstrate the microsurgical technique and surgical skills used to perform excision of an intramedullary ependyma. The authors also present tools (electrophysiology and neuroimaging) that are useful for surgical decision-making and planning, and thus are used intraoperatively, that allow safer and more effective resection of an intramedullary tumor.