Use of the ophthalmic phacoemulsification instrument for tumors of the spinal cord: report of seven cases.

In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the safety, efficacy, and benefits of utilizing the readily available ophthalmic phacoemulsification instrument for the surgery of seven intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Historically, the conventional neurosurgical ultrasonic aspirator was an adaptation of the original Cavitron Phaco-Emulsifier aspirator used in cataract surgery. The ophthalmic instrument has a 1.0-mm internal diameter operating tip. This is much smaller and provides improved visualization and surgical control when compared with the conventional neurosurgical instrument, which has a tip diameter of 3-4 mm. A satisfactory surgical and clinical outcome was achieved in all seven patients with safe and substantial subtotal excision of their tumors. We found the ophthalmic instrument provided excellent visualization and precision in operating on cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumor.