Widespread spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma treated with a combined technique using a flexible neuroendoscope after hemilaminectomy: A case report

Abstract

Background: One-third of spinal epidural hematomas occur spontaneously, and these may be associated with the acute onset of severe paralysis. Here, we present a case of T4-L4 symptomatic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma which was successfully removed using a flexible neuroendoscope after hemilaminectomy. Case Description: Using flexible neuroendoscopy, we successfully treated a T4-L4 spinal epidural hematoma in an 89-year-old Japanese female who spontaneously developed back pain and paraparesis. The hematoma was removed utilizing a hemilaminectomy at three vertebral levels (T11, T12, and L1), while the remaining hematoma debris was completely evacuated with flexible neuroendoscopy. Neurological improvement was observed immediately postsurgery. Conclusion: Flexible neuroendoscopy provided a less extensive surgical method for removing a T4-L4 spontaneous epidural hematoma.